International IP Crime Investigators CollegeAn INTERPOL Initiative in Co-operation with UL Standards & Engagement
Free for Law Enforcement
The IIPCIC programme of study for law enforcement consists of 5 online curriculums, industry-specific courses, and pre-recorded webinars. An IIPCIC certificate endorsed by INTERPOL is available to download after successful completion of each curriculum and industry-specific course. All police officers, customs officers, prosecutors, and regulatory body representatives can take the IIPCIC training without charge.
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Request Course AccessInvestigating, Preparing, and Prosecuting Criminal Intellectual Property Cases
Developed by a team of transnational subject matter experts, this nine module series was designed specifically for law enforcement officials and IP prosecutors. It covers the different types of intellectual property crimes with an emphasis on the elements of proof required to successfully prosecute criminal cases on copyright, trademark, trade secret, and patent violations. Because there is some overlap across the different types of IP crimes, penalties and alternative charges are treated separately in some detail.
This series also addresses the practical aspects of building a strong case during the investigative stage of proceedings, with a focus on collection and maintenance of evidence, as well as best practices and strategies for IP prosecutors. All of this is done with real-world case studies and engaging scenarios to help the learner interact in a meaningful way with the information.
Successful prosecution of intellectual property crimes helps stop the flood of counterfeits, puts criminals behind bars, and serves as a warning to other potential IP criminals.
This curriculum is currently available in English and Spanish. Students must complete each module and pass the accompanying quiz with a score of 80% or better to complete the training and receive their downloadable certificate.
P1: Introduction
This introductory module will introduce our subject matter, identify the four primary types of intellectual property protected by criminal law, and discuss the reasons for pursuing IP crimes in your jurisdiction.
P2: Copyrights
The Copyrights module focuses on the detailed elements of proof required to successfully prosecute a criminal copyright case, with the intent of protecting the rights and authors and incentivizing the production of creative works. This course outlines general protections available to authors of copyrighted works, the elements of the offense, and possible defenses to the charge.
P3: Trademarks
The Trademarks module focuses on the detailed elements of proof required to successfully prosecute a criminal case based on trademark or service mark infringement, commonly referred to as trademark counterfeiting. This module explores general protections available to the owners of trade or service marks, the elements of the offense, possible defenses to the charge, and key case studies from Operation “Engine Newity.”
P4: Trade Secrets and Patents
The Trade Secrets and Patents module explains the detailed elements of proof required to successfully investigate and prosecute a criminal case involving either the misappropriation of a trade secret or infringement of a patent. Covering both trade secrets and patents, this training explores general protections available to rights holders, the elements of each offense, and possible defenses to each charges.
P5: Penalties
The Penalties module outlines the penalties associated with criminal infringement. Key points of this module include potential prison terms and fines faced by convicted intellectual property offenders, the role of restitution in intellectual property enforcement, and the possibility of seizing and forfeiting the defendant’s property, whether that be the illicit proceeds of the crime or property used to facilitate the offense.
P6: Alternative Charges and Related Offenses
The Alternative Charges and Related Offenses module focuses on alternative charges that may be effective in prosecuting intellectual property offenders. This module reviews offenses that specifically target types of IP crimes, examines derivative crime, and explores other traditional offenses that may be used to prosecute IP violators.
P7: Evidence Collection
The Evidence Collection module focuses on the practical aspects of building a strong case during the investigative state proceedings, with a focus on collection and maintenance of evidence, and identifies where investigators can receive help or information about IP cases when more complicated cases arise.
P8: Best Practices and Strategies for IP Prosecutors (Part 1)
Finding Cases, Charging, Discovery, and Courtroom Presentation
The Best Practices and Strategies for IP Prosecutors modules focus on the prosecution of IP cases, from case identification through the sentencing phase. This module offers strategies for finding IP cases, charging the IP offense, providing discovery and disclosure, and presenting in court.
P9: Best Practices and Strategies for IP Prosecutors (Part 2)
Parallel Proceedings and Sentencing
The Best Practices and Strategies for IP Prosecutors modules focus on the prosecution of IP cases, from case identification through the sentencing phase. This module describes how to handle parallel proceedings and offers strategies for sentencing, including best practices for loss valuation, victim participation, and product seizure.
On successful completion of the 9 modules, students are eligible to download an IIPCIC Certificate endorsed by INTERPOL certifying they have successfully completed the "Specialized Curriculum for IP Prosecutors " online training series. The certificate course, recognized by INTERPOL, provides prosecutors with evidence of specialist awareness and learning on the subject of prosecuting criminal cases on copyright, trademark, trade secret, and patent violations
The international trade in counterfeit products represents as much as 3.3% of world trade, or USD $509 billion. This illicit trade results in lost jobs, stifled innovation, lower government revenues, and funding for other criminal activities. Perhaps most important, counterfeit goods are produced without regard to health and safety standards, which can be dangerous, or even deadly, to consumers. Successful prosecution of intellectual property crimes helps stop the flood of counterfeits, puts criminals behind bars, and serves as a warning to other potential IP criminals.
This course is crucial for every law enforcement, especially the investigators. It's an eye opener since these IP cases are complicated. Thank you for affording me this opportunity to learn.
Very interesting course, it was informative and as an IP Investigator in the Jamaica Constabulary Force it will be effectively used.