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.
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.
