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The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) has marked its first birthday by inviting the UK’s IP minister to hear about its work.
Baroness Neville-Rolfe visited the unit this week at its headquarters at the City of London Police. She was joined by IP advisor Mike Weatherley.
The IP minister heard how PIPCU has disrupted nearly 3,000 IP-infringing websites and seized more than £1.2 million ($1.9 million) worth of suspected fake goods.
Head of PIPCU Danny Medlycott said the unit “has gone from strength to strength” in the past year.
Neville-Rolfe added: “IP crime is challenging and fast evolving. From counterfeit goods to online piracy, this type of crime channels money away from legitimate businesses and harms consumers. PIPCU plays a key role in cracking down on counterfeiters and pirates through pioneering operations.
“This makes sure that we can deliver the enforcement activity we need for industry, business and the wider economy. I am delighted to see their excellent work delivering results.”
Despite its apparent success, the future of PIPCU is uncertain: its current funding is set to run out next year and its renewal has not yet been confirmed by the government.
PIPCU; Baroness Neville-Rolfe; counterfeit; piracy; IP crime
