IACC Advances Counterfeit Response Capabilities with Emerging Caribbean Nations
June 23, 2026
The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) joined Cervieri Monsuárez in support of Intellectual Property without Borders: Actions and Strategies in Anguilla, British West Indies, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening intellectual property protection through education, collaboration, and public-private partnerships. The event served as a regional forum for action, bringing together government leaders, law enforcement officials, intellectual property professionals, and industry representatives from across the Caribbean to exchange best practices, address emerging enforcement challenges, and strengthen cross-border cooperation in the fight against counterfeiting and other intellectual property crimes.
During the seminar, the IACC continued to demonstrate its leadership in advancing intellectual property enforcement by sharing its expertise through opening remarks and expert panel discussions, while also engaging directly with the Honorable Cora Richardson-Hodge, Prime Minister of Anguilla. These conversations focused on the evolving challenges facing intellectual property protection, regional enforcement priorities, and opportunities to strengthen public-private partnerships throughout the Caribbean.
Representatives from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, CARICOM, Curaçao, Dominica, Interpol, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sint Maarten, and Trinidad and Tobago shared best practices and strengthened regional partnerships. Combined with expert presentations and hands-on brand authentication training, the seminar underscored the value of collaboration in protecting consumers, supporting legitimate commerce, and advancing intellectual property enforcement across the Caribbean.
For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
IACC U.S. Law Enforcement IP Training Summary
Miami, FL
May 19, 2026
The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) and A Action Investigations co-hosted a specialized intellectual property enforcement training at the Aventura Police Department, bringing together local law enforcement officers from across the greater Miami area, along with representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). As Miami prepared to host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, leading sports brands delivered presentations and interactive trade fair-style training designed to strengthen enforcement efforts against counterfeit merchandise.
Participants received hands-on instruction in identifying counterfeit goods, recognizing key product authentication features, and detecting increasingly sophisticated counterfeit products expected to circulate during major international sporting events. The training equipped officials with practical tools and brand-specific knowledge to help protect consumers, intellectual property rights, and the integrity of the World Cup experience.
Just weeks later, on June 19, that training produced measurable enforcement results. CBP-Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Cargo conducted operations that resulted in more than 450 seizures of counterfeit World Cup-related merchandise and other infringing branded goods. Authorities seized approximately 85,000 counterfeit items (and still counting) imported into Miami & Fort Lauderdale with some transiting through for distribution to other countries.
These outstanding results highlight the direct impact of targeted brand led training and strong public-private partnerships. By equipping frontline officers with brand-specific knowledge, investigative tools, and intelligence on counterfeit trafficking trends, training translated into immediate enforcement action that protected consumers, disrupted illicit supply chains, and safeguarded the integrity of one of the world’s most significant sporting events.
The IACC extends its sincere appreciation to the Aventura Police Department, CBP, HSI, local law enforcement agencies, and A Action Investigations & Security for their participation in both the training and subsequent enforcement operations. Their collaborative efforts demonstrate the lasting impact of intellectual property training, transforming shared knowledge into real-world enforcement actions that protect consumers and legitimate commerce.
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For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.
Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to bring to your attention an issue that has affected the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition’s (IACC) Annual Conference for the better part of the past decade and directly impacts the broader IP community. Because many members of the global IP community participate in both the annual conferences of the IACC and International Trademark Association (INTA), these restrictions affect not only the IACC but also the ability of professionals across our field to convene and collaborate efficiently.
Over this period, hotel contracts associated with the INTA Annual Meeting have included provisions restricting the IACC from securing hotel accommodations within six days prior to and two days following INTA’s conference. In several instances, these provisions specifically name the IACC as the organization subject to these restrictions.
The IACC Annual Conference typically attracts approximately 600 participants, while INTA’s Annual Meeting draws more than 10,000 attendees. Many professionals travel long distances and have historically valued the opportunity to attend both conferences when held in the same city. As an organization, the IACC has always sought to put its members first by being mindful of their time, travel demands, and limited budgets. These restrictions run directly counter to those efforts. They also undermine the broader public interest, as the IACC’s conference focuses on combating counterfeit goods and illicit trade that threaten consumer safety and legitimate commerce.
For decades, the IACC conference has taken place three days prior to INTA’s Annual Meeting, with no overlap in hotel accommodations and no disruption to INTA’s event. This arrangement allowed members to attend both gatherings in a cost-effective and efficient manner. It is only in more recent years that these restrictive provisions have appeared in hotel contracts.
The IACC has repeatedly sought a fair and mutually beneficial solution to this issue. I personally met with the CEO of INTA to discuss the matter, and IACC Chairperson Dawn Atlas similarly raised these concerns with INTA’s Board and leadership. Despite these repeated efforts, the restrictions remain firmly in place and the issue has not been resolved.
Nevertheless, the IACC was able to secure meeting space in San Diego for 2027, allowing our conference to once again conveniently precede INTA’s Annual Meeting. Unfortunately, INTA has now successfully blocked our ability to secure meeting space in Vancouver for 2028 during the period surrounding its planned Annual Meeting scheduled for May 19–25. As a result, members of the global intellectual property community who had hoped to attend both conferences in the same city will now be forced to choose between them.
The IACC remains committed to supporting a strong and collaborative intellectual property ecosystem. Our Annual Conference focuses on anti-counterfeiting enforcement, public-private partnerships with law enforcement, and practical strategies to dismantle illicit trade networks – work that complements the broader trademark and IP dialogue taking place across the community.
We share this information in the interest of transparency and to ensure the IP community is aware of the challenges affecting our ability to best serve our members.
No single organization should be able to restrict when or where others in the intellectual property community gather to collaborate in the fight against counterfeiting and the protection of intellectual property rights, to the detriment of the broader community.
Sincerely,
Bob Barchiesi
President
IACC U.S. Law Enforcement IP Training Summary
Port of Cincinnati, Ohio
April 14-15, 2026
The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC), in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), recently conducted two comprehensive training days in Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of our Law Enforcement Training Program. This initiative is designed to equip enforcement personnel nationwide with the knowledge, tools, and practical skills necessary to effectively identify and intercept counterfeit goods.
Hosted at the CBP Airport Facility and tailored to meet specific requests from CBP personnel, the program delivered eight training sessions over two days to accommodate varying officer shifts. The training brought together more than 30 CBP officials each day and featured a brand-led presentation format, with rights holders providing targeted instruction, hands-on product identification techniques, and authentication strategies to strengthen frontline enforcement capabilities and enhance interdiction efforts.
Collaborative efforts such as these are critical to disrupting the flow of counterfeit goods, strengthening enforcement outcomes, and safeguarding legitimate commerce.
The IACC remains firmly committed to supporting law enforcement through impactful partnerships and specialized training initiatives.
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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 Atlanta, Georgia
March 25, 2026
The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) strengthened its partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by hosting a Law Enforcement IP Training on March 25 at the Port of Atlanta. This event provided CBP personnel with hands-on experience in identifying counterfeit goods, further equipping them to combat illicit trade.
Over 30 CBP Officers, Import Specialists, and Fines & Penalties experts participated in the training, engaging directly with 30 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. The IACC remains a steadfast ally and a strong supporter of law enforcement.
Additionally, specialized training was conducted for sports-related brands in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches scheduled to take place in Atlanta this June and July. We extend our appreciation to Tim Clark of Gatekeeper Global for his coordination efforts, which brought together 30 officers from 15 local law enforcement agencies for training led by participating sports brands.
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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 Seattle, Washington
February 10, 2026
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC), in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), conducted training at the Port of Seattle. The event brought together 50 CBP officials including Officers, Import Specialists, and Fines & Penalties personnel for a day of practical, rights holder-led instruction.
With participation from 38 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
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.
