IACC Launches Trailblazing Marketplace Advisory Council (MAC)
Landmark Collaboration Brings Together Online Marketplaces, Payment, and Brand Leaders to Combat Counterfeiting
May 13, 2025, San Diego, CA – In an unprecedented show of unity, some of the world’s most influential companies, spanning e-commerce, payments, and global brands, have come together under the leadership of the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) to confront one of the most pressing challenges of the digital age: ensuring a safe, trusted, and counterfeit-free online marketplace. Today in San Diego, the IACC proudly launched its Marketplace Advisory Council (MAC) – a groundbreaking forum that sets a new standard for cross-industry collaboration in the fight against fakes.
MAC unites a distinguished group of participants, including Alibaba Group, Amazon, DHGate, eBay, Meta, Mercado Libre, Shopee, and Temu, alongside payment partners Mastercard, PayPal, and Visa. Global brands participating in the initiative include Calvin Klein, Ford, Motion Picture Association, Adidas, Merck, Chanel, Colgate-Palmolive, Tenneco, Disney, ESA, Estée Lauder, Apple, John Deere, Burberry, Johnson & Johnson, Levi Strauss & Co., Nike, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and Zimmermann.
Drawing on its unmatched track record of delivering results through cross-industry partnership, the IACC is elevating its collaborative work through MAC. This initiative marks a pivotal step forward, offering participants a unique opportunity to work together, share insights, and forge stronger partnerships that support the growth and integrity of the online marketplace.
The formation of MAC reflects the IACC’s long-standing commitment to proactive, solution-oriented engagement. By providing a forum where platforms, payment providers, and brands can exchange perspectives, address shared challenges, and explore new strategies together, the IACC reinforces that collaboration remains the most powerful tool in combating counterfeiting and IP crime.
“IACC has always believed that collaboration is the key to meaningful progress,” said Bob Barchiesi, President of the IACC. “With the creation of MAC, we are forging a new path – bringing together a diverse group of pioneers to shape the future of brand protection through dialogue, trust, and shared commitment, and laying the foundation for lasting impact across the global marketplace.”
IACC Law Enforcement Training Summary
Port of New York, JFK
March 12, 2025
The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) set a new attendance record with its latest training in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), bringing an unprecedented 184 law enforcement officials together at the Port of New York – JFK on March 12. This event marked IACC’s largest CBP training session to date, reinforcing the agency’s growing dedication to combating counterfeit goods and safeguarding supply chains.
CBP Officers, Import Specialists, and Fines & Penalties experts engaged in hands-on instruction led by 51 rights holders from a diverse range of industries. The interactive, Trade Fair-style format provided brand representatives with a platform to showcase key authentication features of their products, ensuring officers gained the expertise needed to identify and seize counterfeit shipments with greater accuracy and efficiency.
This milestone event underscores the power of partnerships in protecting consumers and businesses from the ever-evolving threat of counterfeits. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated brand partners, CBP law enforcement officials, and executive staff for their invaluable support and unwavering commitment. The IACC remains a steadfast ally and a strong 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 Law Enforcement Training Summary
Port of Newark, New Jersey
March 11, 2025
The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) expanded its collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by organizing a specialized Law Enforcement IP Training on March 11 at the Port of Newark. The event exceeded attendance expectations, with CBP personnel demonstrating strong commitment and engagement. Their active participation highlighted their dedication to identifying and interdicting counterfeit goods more effectively.
More than 144 CBP Officers, Import Specialists, and Fines & Penalties experts participated in the event, engaging with 47 rights holders from a diverse range of industries. The interactive, Trade Fair-style format enabled brand representatives to showcase key authentication features of their products, ensuring officers gained valuable expertise in distinguishing genuine goods from counterfeits.
By fostering direct engagement between rights holders and CBP, the IACC continues to play a pivotal role in the global fight against counterfeiting. This training underscores the IACC’s unwavering commitment to strengthening enforcement efforts, safeguarding consumers and businesses, and preserving the integrity of supply chains. The IACC remains a steadfast ally and a strong 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 Law Enforcement Training Summary
San Francisco, CA
February 26, 2025
The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) strengthened its partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by hosting a specialized Law Enforcement IP Training on February 26 at the historic U.S. Custom House in San Francisco. This event provided CBP personnel with hands-on experience in identifying counterfeit goods, further equipping them to combat illicit trade.
Over 126 CBP Officers, Import Specialists, and Fines & Penalties experts participated in the training, engaging directly with 44 rights holders representing a wide range of industries. The interactive, Trade Fair-style format allowed brand representatives to demonstrate key authentication features of their products, ensuring officers are equipped with the knowledge they need to determine product authenticity and interdict counterfeit shipments.
By facilitating direct collaboration between rights holders and CBP, the IACC continues to play a vital role in the global fight against counterfeiting. This training reflects IACC’s ongoing commitment to supporting enforcement efforts, protecting the health and safety of consumers and businesses, and maintaining the integrity of supply chains.
For information on our App, click here.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
IACC Law Enforcement Training Summary
Miami, FL
January 22-23, 2025
The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) recently hosted two impactful Law Enforcement IP Training sessions in Miami, Florida, reinforcing enforcement capabilities in the fight against counterfeit goods and supporting law enforcement in its mission to uphold the rule of law.
On January 22, the IACC partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Miami, where a record 100 CBP personnel, including Officers, Import Specialists, and Fines & Penalties experts, participated in hands-on training. A Trade Fair-style format allowed 45 rights holders to provide direct product identification instruction, enhancing the ability to detect and interdict counterfeit imports.
On January 23, the IACC collaborated with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and local law enforcement at the HSI-Miami facility. The session welcomed 50 agents from HSI, the Miami-Dade Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Offices of Broward and Palm Beach Counties. 43 leading brands conducted specialized presentations and interactive training, refining officers’ expertise in identifying and disrupting illicit trade.
Both events underscore IACC’s strong commitment to law enforcement—not only to protect consumers and businesses but also to uphold public safety, safeguard economies, and ensure the integrity of global supply chains. Through continued collaboration with CBP, HSI, and local agencies, the IACC remains a steadfast partner in the ongoing fight against 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 Law Enforcement Training Summary
Long Beach, CA
December 17, 2024
The IACC recently conducted a successful training event under the U.S. Law Enforcement Intellectual Property (IP) Training Program in Long Beach, California. This program equips authorities across the country with the knowledge and tools needed to strategically detect and seize counterfeit goods.
The training session, held at the Port of Long Beach, provided over 130 CBP officers, Import Specialists, and Fines, Penalties & Forfeitures personnel with the latest insights on counterfeit detection. Representatives from 56 brands offered individualized instruction, showcasing updates on their product lines and sharing strategies to identify known counterfeits. This collaboration aims to strengthen enforcement efforts and enhance the ability to prevent the sale of counterfeit goods effectively.
We extend our sincere appreciation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their invaluable assistance in organizing this event. The IACC remains a dedicated partner in supporting law enforcement’s critical work to combat 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 Law Enforcement Training Summary
New York City Police Department
November 7, 2024
The IACC recently conducted training under our Law Enforcement IP Training Program in New York City. This program provides authorities throughout the country with the tools to act strategically in the detection and seizure of counterfeit goods.
Training was held at the NYPD Police Academy and provided an opportunity for 180 officers and supervisors whose assignments include enforcement of New York State’s trademark counterfeiting laws to participate in this event. Featured presentations were held on case studies, counterfeit crimes relation to organized crime and trade fair product identification exercise comparing up to date information on product lines and known counterfeits. Rights-holders from more than 45 brands provided individualized instruction to strengthen efforts and increase ability to deter sales of counterfeit products. Brand representatives described the officers as highly engaged in their interactions.
The agenda also included a presentation on the IACC’s Law Enforcement Training App where brands share their materials on our exclusive (law enforcement only) digital platform, making this information available 24/7/365. Many officers signed up for the app during the event.
For information on our App, click here.
We would like to extend our appreciation to the NYPD for the use of their Academy. The IACC strongly supports law enforcement.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
IACC Law Enforcement Training Summary
Port of Honolulu
International Mail Branch Facility
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
October 16-17, 2024
The IACC recently conducted training under our Law Enforcement IP Training Program with Customs & Border Protection in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our program provides authorities throughout the country with the tools to act strategically in the detection and seizure of counterfeit goods. We had a total of 90 CBP Officers participate over the 2 days of training.
Day 1 training was held at the CBP Port Office with participation from Officers, Import Specialists and Fines & Penalties personnel. This was followed by training at the International Mail Branch Facility where small packages imported from Asia are processed and inspected.
Day 2 training was held at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport with CBP Officers as well as a team of Officers from the American Samoa Treasury Department – Division of Customs participated.
Our Trade Fair formatted events included rights holders sharing their expertise with hands-on product identification and individualized instruction to deter importation of counterfeit products.
We would like to extend our appreciation to CBP Honolulu for their assistance in organizing these events. These collaborative efforts serve to strengthen enforcement and increase their ability to deter sales of counterfeit products and effectively interdict violators.
The IACC strongly supports law enforcement.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
View IACC President Bob Barchiesi’s live broadcast interview on First Move with Julia Chatterley on CNN International that took place on September 24, 2024.
Bob spoke about the trend of consumers buying fakes and the impact counterfeits have on consumer safety and the global economy.
Video provided by CNN International.
IACC Law Enforcement Training Summary
Newberry, South Carolina
September 25, 2024
The IACC recently conducted an in-person training event under our Law Enforcement IP Training Program in Newberry, South Carolina. This program provides authorities throughout the country with the tools to act strategically in the detection and seizure of counterfeit goods.
Training was held at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and provided an opportunity for over 80 Investigators from numerous law enforcement agencies to participate in product identification. The trade fair format enabled brands to exhibit their samples and provide training materials including information on new product lines and known counterfeits. Rights-holders from 27 brands provided individualized instruction to strengthen efforts and increase ability to deter sales of counterfeit products. The agenda also included presentations on lead development, case building, state statues, links between counterfeiting and criminal enterprises.
We would like to extend our appreciation to South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond, and Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster for their assistance in organizing this event. The IACC strongly supports law enforcement.
The IACC also conducted hands on training of our exclusive Law Enforcement Training App. For further information on our App, click here.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
