Anti-Counterfeiting, Anti-Piracy and Border Protection

Counterfeiting and piracy is a major problem for brand owners. The global trade in pirated and counterfeit goods is estimated to be an activity with an economic impact in excess of US$1 trillion. The activity is known to be coordinated by international networks of criminals. The products often pose a danger to consumers who purchase them e.g. the impact of counterfeit pharmaceuticals with only a placebo or adverse effect and counterfeit cosmetics with high concentrations of lead or unregulated ingredients, can be a serious danger to public health.

We are experienced at providing our clients with strategies to combat and mitigate counterfeiting and piracy for their businesses. We often work in conjunction with our clients, specialist investigators and customs or government enforcement agencies, in order to provide a cost-effective and coordinated solution.

Working with our trusted investigators we can often identify the manufacturing and distribution networks, and arrange trap purchases to also identify the sellers, re-sellers and purchasers of the goods. Legal action is often an appropriate step to take and can act as a significant deterrent to future counterfeiting or piracy activity.

Online protection measures can involve the use of innovative anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy technology. These products, which are constantly evolving, now come with integrated A.I. tools that monitor the internet and other online channels and identify key jurisdictions and assist to take down the most problematic infringers.

Industry groups might also assist our clients. e.g. the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG), which is an international not-for-profit trade association specialising in the fight against the global trade in counterfeit goods. The ACG represents its members, in the UK, EU and internationally and its members own over 3,000 of the world’s most prestigious brands.

The recordal of customs notices at the border is often an important first step in assisting in the identification of counterfeit activity and can result in the seizure and destruction of significant counterfeit products. We regularly file custom notices and renewals on behalf of our clients.

We can assist our clients with developing anti-counterfeiting, anti-piracy and border protection measures in New Zealand, Australia and internationally.