Overview

The International Chamber of Commerce - Commercial Crime Services (CCS), London, United Kingdom is a specialised division of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the world business organisation.

As a specialised bureau within CCS, the Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau (CIB) formed in 1985, protects industry from the damage caused by counterfeiting by gathering intelligence, making undercover enquiries, organising the seizure of counterfeits, and providing expert advice and training to its members. Members of CIB include the following:

• Large multinational companies
• Trade associations
• Law firms
• Technology producers
• Investigative firms

Counterfeiting is one of the fastest growing economic crimes of modern times. It presents companies, governments and individuals with a unique set of problems. What was once a cottage industry has now become a highly sophisticated network of organised crime that has the capacity to threaten the very fabric of national economies, endanger safety and frequently kill. It devalues corporate reputations, hinders investment, funds terrorism, and costs hundreds of thousands of people their livelihood every year.

Counterfeiting accounts for between 5 - 7% of world trade, worth an estimated $600 billion a year. It has to be stopped, and the CIB is a focal point for those wanting to fight this growing problem.

Over the years, the CIB has designed, instigated and managed a number of initiatives that seek out counterfeiters, protect people and products, and help to ensure brand security. They include the innovative Counterforce, Countertech and Countersearch international networks, the Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Initiative, the IHMA’s Hologram Image Register, and the Universal Hologram Scanner. CIB is also working in partnership with the ICC initiative BASCAP and has developed the Case Study Database and the BASCAP Weekly Digest to increase awareness of the problem of counterfeiting and piracy.

Recognised by the British Home Office and World Customs Organization, the CIB has also carried out more than 600 investigations in over 35 countries into counterfeit goods ranging from pharmaceuticals and alcoholic beverages, to furniture and wall coverings. In the process, the CIB has established close links with senior officials in government and law enforcement agencies around the world, becoming well respected for its professional approach and earning a reputation for getting results that can save both lives and a great deal of money.

Whether you want to protect the integrity of your intellectual property, prevent copyright abuse, or locate and lock up counterfeiters, we have the knowledge, contacts and experience you need.