IPR Center, Michigan State University partner on anti-counterfeiting efforts
MSU is IPR Center’s first academic partner
WASHINGTON — The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Michigan State University’s (MSU) Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection Center (A-CAPP Center) to expand the center’s counterfeiting and brand protection research capabilities, Thursday.
“The IPR Center is always exploring innovative ways to enforce the nation’s intellectual property laws and dismantle the $1 billion-dollar counterfeiting business,” said Steve Francis, IPR Center director. “Partnering with academia to analyze data and predict future trends is the exact forward leading approach needed to stay ahead of bad actors.”
The MOU focuses on vital areas of intellectual property, brand protection and anti-counterfeiting strategies, which have become extremely important in the current global economy. The agreement will also facilitate knowledge transfer between the center and university to share mutually beneficial information, research and technology that will advance intellectual property enforcement.
“The IPR Center represents the lead law enforcement entity in the United States for coordinating efforts to combat the trade in counterfeit goods,” said A-CAPP Center Director Jeff Rojek. “Partnering with the IPR Center will provide A-CAPP a valuable opportunity to engage in research and related activities that will contribute the efforts of brand owners and law enforcement to address this complex and pervasive challenge.”
During the signing event at MSU, Francis and MSU College of Social Sciences Dean Mary Finn met with staff to discuss the A-CAPP Center’s 2020-2021 student research project, “Patterns in Counterfeit Activity – Pre and Post COVID-19,” and the contributions their research will have on the American public.
Finn stated, “This is a wonderful opportunity for MSU, the A-CAPP Center and the school of criminal justice. This partnership brings together the most elite in government and higher education.”
“I’m excited to formalize our longstanding relationship with MSU making them as the center’s first academic partner and look forward to forging new pathways to educate consumers,” Francis said.
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