EUIPO Releases EMPACT Guide to Criminal Referrals in Intellectual Property Crime Cases

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has unveiled a new study entitled the EMPACT Intellectual Property Owner Guide to Criminal Referrals in Intellectual Property Crime Cases. This comprehensive guide is designed to support intellectual property (IP) owners in managing criminal referrals related to IP crime under the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) framework.

EMPACT is a European Union initiative that coordinates law enforcement efforts to combat serious and organized crime, including intellectual property crime. Recognizing the challenges IP owners face when interacting with criminal justice systems, the EUIPO’s guide provides practical advice and procedural insights to facilitate effective criminal referrals.

The guide outlines the steps IP owners should take when identifying and reporting IP infringements that may warrant criminal investigation. It emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely referrals to competent authorities to ensure that IP crime cases are properly addressed within the criminal justice system.

Additionally, the study highlights best practices for collaboration between IP owners, law enforcement agencies, and judicial bodies. It underscores the value of clear communication, evidence preservation, and understanding legal thresholds necessary for criminal prosecution.

By providing this resource, the EUIPO aims to strengthen the role of IP owners in the fight against counterfeiting, piracy, and other forms of intellectual property crime. The guide serves as a bridge between private rights holders and public enforcement mechanisms, promoting a more coordinated and effective response to IP infringements.

The publication of this guide aligns with EUIPO’s broader mission to enhance IP enforcement and support innovation and creativity across Europe. It also complements ongoing efforts within EMPACT to target organized crime groups involved in IP violations.

Stakeholders across the IP community, including businesses, legal practitioners, and enforcement officials, are encouraged to utilize this guide to improve their understanding of criminal referral processes and to foster stronger partnerships in combating IP crime.

The full EMPACT Intellectual Property Owner Guide to Criminal Referrals in Intellectual Property Crime Cases is available on the EUIPO website, providing accessible and detailed information for all interested parties.