IPR Center Shocks Counterfeiters
Yesterday, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) announced the completion of a worldwide operation aimed at protecting consumers, U.S. jobs, and intellectual property. “Operation Short Circuit” resulted in the seizure of more than one million counterfeit electrical goods—from holiday lights to power adapters—across 43 countries.
“Operation Short Circuit” is a great example of just how effective law enforcement agencies can be when they work together. It’s also an example of the lengths counterfeiters will go to make a buck, regardless of the potential consumer health and safety consequences.
Suffice to say, many of these illicit products would have ended up for sale online and in to the homes of unsuspecting consumers. This is why “Operation Short Circuit” illustrates the need for Congress to enact legislation that would cut off the criminal networks who operate rogue websites to sell illegal, unsafe products. Rogue sites legislation, like the PROTECT IP Act, would provide U.S. law enforcement with an enhanced legal toolkit to go after these sophisticated foreign IP thieves.
The GIPC looks forward to enactment of rogue sites legislation and is very proud of the IPR Center’s efforts to ensure that these products do not make it to market (or e-market) and needlessly endanger consumers.
