INVESTIGATORS & SECURITY CONSULTANTS

ACG Calls for IP Enforcement Body

ACG Calls for IP Enforcement Body

The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) has called on the UK government to set up a national IP enforcement body in order to tackle the threat posed by counterfeits.

In its 2016 manifesto, published today, July 5, the UK-based ACG said an urgent response from the government was needed.

The manifesto said the government should place IP crime as an immediate political priority and work with businesses to promote awareness of counterfeiting.

It recommended implementing an “over-arching” enforcement body that would include trading standards, customs and a central intelligence team.

Alison Statham, director of operations at the ACG, said: “The government must openly recognise counterfeiting as a lucrative and extremely dangerous criminal activity … The sale of illicit counterfeit goods has increased year-on-year, driven primarily by the rise in online marketing activities.

“The UK government and law enforcement agencies need to work collaboratively with ACG and its members to shape a more effective deterrent to counterfeiting,” she added.

The ACG represents businesses and more than 3,000 brands.