It will look at ways to protect UK industries and consumers from intellectual property crime 

intellectual property

A conference that showcases work that tackles fake goods trade and addresses global threats from intellectual property crime will begin today.

It is hosted by INTERPOL, City of London Police and the Corporation of London and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

About 600 delegates including senior government, law enforcement and industry figures will attend the two-day conference to share their best practices.

Topics for the conference include goods trafficking, emerging threats from technological advancements in 3D printing and the issue of fake goods and pharmaceuticals.

Underwriters Laboratories president Keith Williams said: “This event has developed into a vital platform in gathering public and private sector organizations to share best practices, develop new tools and create stronger partnerships to advance our common purpose of combating transnational organized IP crime, promoting safety worldwide and developing joint initiatives.”

City of London Police commissioner Ian Dyson said: “Our fight against intellectual property crime is crucial in supporting the growth of the UK economy, to ensure that overseas businesses have the confidence to invest in our industries.

“Preventing harm to consumers from potentially dangerous counterfeit goods and protecting livelihoods supported by industries affected by IP crime will remain a primary focus for us over the next decade, as we adapt our expertise in tackling every new challenge on the horizon.”

The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) will also be a focus during the event.

PIPCU is a specialist national police unit dedicated to protect the UK industries from intellectual property crime.

It is based within the Economic Crime Directorate of the City of London Police.

Since the launch of PIPCU in 2013, the unit has investigated property crime worth £33.8m, conducted 81 investigations, arrested 66 people for fraud, copyright, counterfeiting and cyber enabled offences and more.

Minister of state for energy and intellectual property Baroness Neville-Rolfe said: “The hard work of PIPCU is paying off and should be applauded. PIPCU is helping support legitimate rights holders and consumers alike.

“There is still work to do, and I am confident that the partnership between the Government, police forces, and the business community will help to dismantle criminal IP networks and save business and consumers millions of pounds.”

Chamber of Commerce estimates that last year financial was estimated to be worth over £1.3 trillion.