International IP Crime Investigators CollegeAn INTERPOL Initiative in Co-operation with UL Standards & Engagement
INTERPOL collaborated with the University of Portsmouth to launch the Certificate in Intellectual Property Crime and Illicit Trade (CIPCIT) Short Course, a groundbreaking 12-week distance-learning course designed for law enforcement professionals and industry experts worldwide.
During this unique 12-week distance-learning course, learners gained a practical and academic understanding of intellectual property (IP) crime and illicit trade.
Delivered twice annually by the University of Portsmouth’s Criminal Justice Studies Department, and recognised by INTERPOL, this short course provided unparalleled access to the latest research and expertise in the field of IP crime and illicit trade on a global level.
Under the leadership and support of the former President and CEO of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Keith Williams has supported law enforcement efforts to combat intellectual property crime for nearly 15 years and has cooperated with INTERPOL on many IP crime and anti-counterfeiting public safety initiatives throughout that time.
UL Standards & Engagement developed a unique scholarship program in Mr. Williams' name to honor his vision and legacy. The Keith Williams Scholarship covered tuition for select law enforcement students annually to complete the CIPCIT short course.
The primary goal of the Keith Williams Scholarship was to support law enforcement efforts in working for a safer, more secure, and more sustainable world by helping focus efforts, resources and activities on reducing the harm associated with IP crime impacting human health, public safety, and the environment.
The course was a very enlightening one because, before doing the course, I was never exposed to intellectual property. It brought me up to speed with what intellectual property [crime] really is, how devastating it is on the global level.
The Certificate in Intellectual Property Crime and Illicit Trade is a very rich programme as it exposed me to different modules relating to intellectual property, illicit trade, and study skills, which I say has improved my daily work experience. I would recommend this course to anyone wishing to have a career in illicit markets or intellectual property.
I would like to thank INTERPOL, IIPCIC, UL Standards and Engagement, and the University of Portsmouth for the opportunity. I will use this knowledge to help my colleagues both in INTERPOL and my home country.
The Certificate in Intellectual Property Crime and Illicit Trade (CIPCIT) course was very well delivered and insightful, with everything explained well, and no question too ‘stupid’ to ask. The seminars were the most enjoyable as I got to speak with people from all over the world with different ideas and experience.
The Keith Williams’ Scholarship allowed me to access to the learning as financially I would have not been able to do this otherwise.The information and the qualification have proven the most valuable since I have now become the Intellectual Property and Illicit Trade Lead in my current work. Overall, I’m very happy with how it has gone.