IACC U.S. Law Enforcement IP Training Summary
New York City Police Department
November 6, 2025
On Thursday, November 6, the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) conducted a specialized training session for the New York City Police Department—our largest domestic training to date, with approximately 400 NYPD officers in attendance. We were honored by the extraordinary turnout from officers who play an essential role on the front lines of enforcing laws against counterfeit goods.
More than 50 rights holders, representing a wide cross-section of industries, joined us for this effort. The program featured targeted presentations on how counterfeit networks fuel criminal activity, including terrorism, followed by our interactive Trade Fair sessions. Brand experts provided hands-on demonstrations of key authentication features, giving officers the practical tools needed to identify, intercept, and ultimately stop counterfeit products before they reach consumers. Officer engagement throughout the event was exceptional, underscoring their strong commitment to protecting consumers, safeguarding legitimate businesses, and preserving the integrity of global supply chains.
This initiative reflects the power and necessity of public-private collaboration. The IACC extends its sincere appreciation to the NYPD for its continued leadership in the fight against counterfeiting. The IACC is proud to stand with law enforcement as they work tirelessly to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who profit from counterfeit crime.
Together, we are strengthening enforcement, protecting our brands, and ensuring a safer marketplace for all.
For information on our App, click here.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
IACC U.S. Law Enforcement IP Training Summary
Port of Chicago, Illinois
October 16, 2025
On Thursday, October 16, the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC), in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), conducted a specialized training session at the Port of Chicago. The program brought together 79 CBP officials—including Officers, Import Specialists, and Fines & Penalties personnel—for a day of practical, rights holder-led instruction.
With 33 participating rights holders representing a broad range of industries, the training featured an interactive Trade Fair–style format. Brand representatives provided hands-on demonstrations of key authentication features, giving CBP officials valuable experience in identifying and intercepting counterfeit goods.
This initiative underscores the impact of public-private collaboration in strengthening enforcement against counterfeiting. The IACC extends its sincere appreciation to all participating brands, CBP leadership, and frontline personnel for their continued partnership and commitment. The Coalition is proud to stand alongside law enforcement in protecting supply chains and safeguarding consumers from the threats posed by counterfeit trade.
The IACC remains a steadfast supporter of law enforcement.
For information on our App, click here.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
IACC U.S. Law Enforcement IP Training Summary
Port of El Paso, Texas
September 17, 2025
The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) recently conducted a training session as part of our ongoing Law Enforcement IP Training Program, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the International Border Crossing in the Port of El Paso.
This program equips law enforcement authorities across the United States with the knowledge and practical tools needed to identify, intercept, and prevent the entry of counterfeit goods into U.S. commerce.
Held at CBP’s port facility, this marked the third consecutive year that the Port of El Paso requested IACC’s training. This event brought together 86 CBP law enforcement officers assigned throughout the entire region.
Participants also benefited from hands-on instruction provided by 43 brand representatives, who offered in-depth product identification guidance and practical demonstrations to aid officers in distinguishing authentic goods from counterfeits.
The IACC extends its sincere appreciation to the officials at the Port of El Paso for their outstanding partnership and coordination in hosting this event. Their collaboration with additional agencies reinforces the collective effort to strengthen enforcement operations and prevent counterfeit goods from entering the supply chain.
The IACC remains deeply committed to supporting law enforcement and government partners in their vital work to protect consumers, legitimate businesses, and the integrity of global trade.
For information on our App, click here.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
IACC President Bob Barchiesi and Vice President Mike Walsh recently traveled to Rome, Italy during the week of September 22, 2025 to meet with senior leadership of the Guardia di Finanza (GdF) and advance discussions on continued collaboration to protect intellectual property rights. The IACC’s partnership with the GdF dates back to 2015, when the two organizations held their first joint training. During this visit, Bob and Mike met with General Bruno Buratti, second-in-command of the Guardia di Finanza, to explore new ways to strengthen enforcement cooperation.
The IACC’s engagement in Italy extends beyond the Guardia di Finanza, having also met in previous years with the Carabinieri to discuss shared priorities in IP enforcement. Over the years, the IACC has also cultivated strong relationships with the Polizia di Stato (Italian State Police). Bob has spoken at events at the Vatican addressing IP crime and human trafficking. Law enforcement connections from those events have only deepened in recent years. During this trip, Bob and Mike were invited as special guests to the Papal General Audience in St. Peter’s Square during Pope Leo XIV’s appearance in the square on September 24.
The IACC was featured in a recent CNBC investigation, “Walmart’s Marketplace boom: How lax vetting came with identity theft and fakes.” In both the article and embedded video, IACC President Bob Barchiesi stressed the importance of consumer trust and collaboration in fighting fakes (his interview begins at 11:47 in the video).
The story also spotlights the IACC Marketplace Advisory Council (MAC), our exciting initiative launched in May 2025 uniting brands, marketplaces, and payment providers to take collective action against counterfeits. Learn more about IACC MAC in our recent press release.
This coverage is the latest example of the IACC being sought out as a trusted industry voice on counterfeiting. From features in ABC, CBS, CNN, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal to testimony before Congress and global industry forums, the IACC continues to lead the conversation on IP protection, advocating for stronger enforcement and driving cross-industry collaboration in the fight against fakes.
Global Leaders Unite in Washington as IACC Marketplace Advisory Council Meets to Forge Cross-Industry Solutions in the Fight Against Fakes
Washington, D.C. – September 18, 2025 – The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) will convene the second meeting of its groundbreaking Marketplace Advisory Council (MAC) today in Washington, D.C., bringing together the world’s largest e-commerce platforms, social media companies, payment providers, and global brands.
Building on its successful launch earlier this year, the MAC continues to set a new standard for cross-industry collaboration geared toward actionable solutions in the fight against counterfeiting. Over the past several months, participants have worked intensively to develop best practices that will strengthen online marketplace integrity, streamline enforcement operations, improve transparency, deter repeat offenders, and raise consumer awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and pirated content. Today’s meeting will mark a pivotal milestone, as participants work to crystallize best practices that can be implemented across industries.
The MAC brings together a uniquely powerful mix of companies, including leading marketplaces and social media platforms such as Alibaba Group, Amazon, DHGate, eBay, Meta, Mercado Libre, Shopee, Temu, TikTok, and Walmart. Joining them are global payment providers American Express, Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa, whose role is critical to disrupting the financial lifelines of counterfeiters.
MAC also includes some of the world’s most iconic brands and industry associations – from Adidas, Apple, Burberry, Beiersdorf, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Colgate-Palmolive, and Diageo, to Disney, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), Estée Lauder, Ford, Goorin Bros., John Deere, Johnson & Johnson, Levi Strauss & Co., Lululemon, The Lumistella Company, Merck, the Motion Picture Association, Netflix, NightCap, Nike, Paramount, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Tenneco, and Zimmermann. Together, this coalition represents an unprecedented alignment of industries committed to building a safer, more trusted digital marketplace.
“The IACC created MAC to break down silos and unite the key players who shape the global digital marketplace,” said Bob Barchiesi, IACC President. “What makes this initiative so powerful is the diversity of perspectives at the table with marketplaces, brands, social media, and payment providers all working together to make a safer and trusted online ecosystem. The progress we’ve made in such a short time underscores the power of partnership, and the best practices we are developing here will set an important precedent for the entire industry.”
The IACC, long recognized for its leadership in fostering practical cooperation between industries and government, launched MAC as an innovative platform to drive collective action against counterfeiting and piracy. With its second meeting, MAC reinforces that sustained, solutions-focused collaboration is the most effective way to protect consumers and safeguard intellectual property.
IACC U.S. Law Enforcement IP Training Summary
Port of Philadelphia, PA
July 23, 2025
On Wednesday, July 23rd, the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC), in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), conducted a robust training program at the Port of Philadelphia. The event brought together 76 CBP officials – including Officers, Import Specialists, and Fines & Penalties personnel—for a day of practical, rights holder-led instruction.
With participation from 28 rights holders representing a wide range of industries, the training followed an interactive Trade Fair-style format. Brand representatives showcased key authentication features of their products, giving CBP officials valuable, hands-on experience to better identify and intercept counterfeit shipments.
This training is another strong example of the power of public-private collaboration in the fight against fakes. Our sincere thanks go out to all participating brands, CBP leadership, and frontline personnel for their continued partnership and dedication. The IACC is proud to stand alongside law enforcement in protecting supply chains and defending consumers from the threat of counterfeiting.
For information on our App, click here.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
IACC U.S. Law Enforcement IP Training Summary
Baltimore, Maryland
July 22, 2025
The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC), in close collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), hosted a dynamic training session at the Port of Baltimore on Tuesday, July 22nd. The program brought together more than 50 CBP personnel—including Officers, Import Specialists, and Fines & Penalties experts—for a focused day of hands-on learning and brand engagement.
With guidance from 25 brand representatives spanning multiple industries, the session utilized an interactive Trade Fair-style format to spotlight key product authentication techniques. This approach allowed CBP officials to examine genuine goods up close, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to more effectively detect and intercept counterfeit products.
This training reflects the growing commitment across sectors to safeguard consumers, protect legitimate businesses, and secure global supply chains. We extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated brand partners, CBP officials, and executive leadership for their continued support and collaboration. The IACC remains a committed partner in the ongoing fight against counterfeiting and a proud ally of law enforcement.
For information on our App, click here.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
IACC U.S. Law Enforcement IP Training Summary
Pembina, ND and International Falls, MN
June 24-25, 2025
The IACC Strengthens Border Enforcement with IP Training at Remote Northern Ports
The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) recently conducted a Law Enforcement IP Training at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities in Pembina, North Dakota, and International Falls, Minnesota—two critical yet remote ports of entry along the U.S.-Canada border.
This hands-on program empowered CBP officers with the tools and knowledge needed to detect and intercept counterfeit goods at the border. Officers engaged in a dynamic Trade Fair exercise, which featured individualized brand training and real-time product identification, allowing participants to hone their skills in distinguishing fakes from genuine goods.
Brand representatives played a vital role, sharing their expertise and working closely with officers to deepen their understanding of illicit trade patterns and deceptive counterfeit tactics.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated leadership and personnel at both Pembina and International Falls for their outstanding collaboration and support in bringing this training to life. Their commitment exemplifies the kind of partnership that strengthens frontline defenses against counterfeit products.
The IACC remains a steadfast partner to law enforcement in our shared mission to combat counterfeiting and protect consumers, legitimate businesses, and the global supply chain.
For information on our App, click here.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
IACC U.S. Law Enforcement IP Training Summary
San Diego, California
May 13, 2025
The IACC recently conducted training under our Law Enforcement IP Training Program with Homeland Security investigations and local law enforcement from the San Diego area. This program provides authorities throughout the country with the information and tools to act strategically in the detection and seizure of counterfeit goods.
Training was held for law enforcement officials from HSI, CBP, San Diego Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, San Diego District Attorney’s Office, and other agencies to strengthen enforcement activities and interdict violators.
The training format featured trade fair exhibits, with 45 brand representatives sharing their expertise through hands-on product identification and individualized instruction, designed to deter importation of counterfeit products. Presentations and case studies were also conducted by law enforcement as well as brand representatives.
We would like to extend our appreciation to HSI – San Diego, the California Narcotics Officers Association and HIDTA for their participation and partnership.
We would also like to extend special thanks to Kris Buckner, and his team at Investigative Consultants for their assistance in organizing this event.
The IACC strongly supports law enforcement.
For information on our App, click here.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
