• Counterfeit, Piracy & Intellectual Property Investigations

     

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    Product Fraud is estimated to cost legitimate owners millions of dollars each and every year. Forgers, imitators, and counterfeiters do not just confine themselves to luxury products of international fame, such as watches, cigarette lighters, leather goods, clothing, perfumes, and recorded music - motor car parts, aircraft components, pharmaceutical products, and computer software programs are all very suitable products for the international imitator and counterfeiter.

    Counterfeit consumer goods, commonly called 'Knock-Offs', are counterfeit or imitation products offered for sale as if they were authentic. The spread of counterfeit goods has become global in recent years and the range of goods subject to infringement has increased significantly. According to the study by the Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau (CIB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), counterfeit Goods make up 5 to 7% of World Trade.

    'Piracy' refers primarily to copyrighted works traded in violation of copyright law. The term generally refers to illegal releases by organized groups, as opposed to file sharing between friends or large groups of people with similar interests using a darknet.

    Third World nations, especially in Southeast Asia, have en masse copied corporate logos and names of primarily Western and Japanese companies. Some of these companies have even become listed on stock exchanges in their respective nations.

    Key anti-counterfeit services we provide include:

     

    • Surveillance: We conduct a methodical search of the area to identify the physical locations that display and/or offer for sale counterfeit goods

    • Undercover Purchase: Our investigators, on behalf of our clients, work closely with police to identify counterfeit merchandise and use covert investigation strategies to make undercover purchases (i.e. “fake buys”)

    • Criminal Search Warrant: Acting on behalf of our luxury goods clients, our investigators assist the police with executing criminal court search warrants, which provide the ability to search and seize counterfeit merchandise

    • Cease and Desist: When necessary, we provide clients with cease and desist support that leads to the voluntary surrender of fake merchandise

    • Law Enforcement Support: Rick Crouch & Associates represents our clients in situations wherein law enforcement agents require product authentication; this support is available 24/7