IACC U.S. Law Enforcement IP Training Summary

Miami, Florida

Training Leads to Major FIFA World Cup

Counterfeit Seizures in South Florida 

On May 19, 2026, the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) and A Action Investigations co-hosted a specialized intellectual property enforcement training at the Aventura Police Department, bringing together local law enforcement officers from across the greater Miami area, along with representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). As Miami prepared to host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, leading sports brands delivered presentations and interactive trade fair-style training designed to strengthen enforcement efforts against counterfeit merchandise.

Participants received hands-on instruction in identifying counterfeit goods, recognizing key product authentication features, and detecting increasingly sophisticated counterfeit products expected to circulate during major international sporting events. The training equipped officials with practical tools and brand-specific knowledge to help protect consumers, intellectual property rights, and the integrity of the World Cup experience.

Just weeks later, on June 19, that training produced measurable enforcement results. CBP-Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Cargo conducted operations that resulted in more than 450 seizures of counterfeit World Cup-related merchandise and other infringing branded goods. Authorities seized approximately 85,000 counterfeit items (and still counting) imported into Miami & Fort Lauderdale with some transiting through for distribution to other countries.

These outstanding results highlight the direct impact of targeted brand led training and strong public-private partnerships. By equipping frontline officers with brand-specific knowledge, investigative tools, and intelligence on counterfeit trafficking trends, training translated into immediate enforcement action that protected consumers, disrupted illicit supply chains, and safeguarded the integrity of one of the world's most significant sporting events.

The IACC extends its sincere appreciation to the Aventura Police Department, CBP, HSI, local law enforcement agencies, and A Action Investigations & Security for their participation in both the training and subsequent enforcement operations. Their collaborative efforts demonstrate the lasting impact of intellectual property training, transforming shared knowledge into real-world enforcement actions that protect consumers and legitimate commerce.

For information on our App, click here.

For further information on our training program click here or contact Michael Walsh mwalsh@iacc.org.

Take Advantage of the IACC Law Enforcement App

What is it?

The IACC Law Enforcement Training Apps complement our training programs by providing law enforcement with relevant tools to enhance their IP protection efforts and to connect instantly with brands. The Apps are available in the U.S. and in Latin America (in Spanish and Portuguese) and are used by thousands of law enforcement in these areas. They contain training manuals, crucial company contacts for participating brands and national and state laws.

Why should brands participate?

The Apps are an efficient and cost-effective way to get brands' contact information and materials in front of law enforcement in the U.S. and Latin America. This allows law enforcement to contact the brand directly and immediately from the field. Brands decide what and how much content they want to include. All brand information are kept confidential. Only vetted and approved law enforcement officials can access brand content.

Members participate FOR FREE while non-members pay a fee. Don’t know if your company is already in the App or interested in joining? Please contact Mike Walsh (mwalsh@iacc.org).

Why should law enforcement participate?

The IACC App allows law enforcement to access important product and brand information on their mobile devices which facilitates timely contact with brands and access to relevant information. For further information on how to apply, contact Mike Walsh (mwalsh@iacc.org).

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