Sub-regional Workshop on the Investigation and Prosecution of Intellectual Property (IP) Crimes: Strengthening the Capabilities of Police Investigators and Prosecutions from the South American Region

Police investigators and prosecutors from six Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay) gathered for a three-day Sub-regional Workshop on the Enforcement of IP Rights in Asunción, Paraguay, from November 14 to 16, 2023. The workshop, a collaborative effort between WIPO, the National Directorate of Intellectual Property of Paraguay (DINAPI), IP Key Latin America, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the United State Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), delved into critical aspects of investigating and prosecuting IP crimes.

The agenda covered diverse topics, including the legal framework for addressing IP crimes in participant countries, key considerations in the investigative and prosecutorial processes, and discussions on offline and online intermediary liability. Participants also engaged in conversations about the storage and disposal of IP-infringing goods and explored avenues for cooperation between public and private sectors in combating IP crimes.

In that last regard, the workshop featured two regional projects – Score Green and Entre Manos - aimed at repurposing materials resulting from the destruction of counterfeit goods in an environmentally safe way. Additionally, right holders shared insightful information on product identification techniques and their brand and copyright protection strategies. This collaborative engagement emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in supporting IP enforcement efforts.

The workshop contributed significantly in enhancing collaboration and capacity among police investigators and prosecutors of the participating countries. The emphasis on practical knowledge and the exchange of real-life experiences ensured that all participants be better equipped with valuable insights and skills to combat IP crimes effectively.