What are the top 2 challenges in IP enforcement you see affecting your industry over the next year?
Maintaining law enforcement momentum to investigate counterfeiting operations and arresting those responsible given the current decriminalization environment where criminal penalties and accountability are at an all-time minimal.
With the escalation of online purchases being made, and in turn those counterfeit sales utilizing redirection methods of shipments and fulfillment centers. It becomes increasing difficult to develop the criminal elements for a prosecutor to consider for search warrants.
What are your top 2 recommendations to a brand that is building up its IP enforcement program?
Engage with other brands and ask questions about their programs and problem-solving methods, what type of outsourcing resources were used to support and who was used. This would provide a jump start to avoid wasting time, effort, and fiscal resources while learning what works best and what does not.
Participate in the IACC trainings to bring awareness to your brand’s counterfeiting issue, and show your brand’s dedication to supporting law enforcement. This would also enable the opportunity to make direct contacts and potentially learn about any CUSTOMS seizures you maybe not aware of, or learn where local police may have seen counterfeits being sold.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
In my previous law enforcement career, I had the privilege to work with a highly respected and old school Police Detective, whose passion to helping others was evident by never saying no, regardless of how inconvenient, and whose refined investigative craft was evident in all his work product. Sharpening the ability to not overlook the details for it can provide direction and completes the picture, to listen carefully but pay more attention to what is not spoken, and how ones resolve always pays off. For time is always on the side of good, and will always catch up with those that lurk in the shadows.
Contact info: j.ricaurte@allegianceprotection.com
