The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have reaffirmed their long-standing cooperation to counter intellectual property (IP) crime, particularly in light of the evolving threats associated with the digital environment and new technologies.
During a recent meeting at the EUIPO headquarters in Alicante, Mr. Leif Villadsen, Acting Director of UNICRI, and Mr. Andrea Di Carlo, Deputy Executive Director of EUIPO, discussed ongoing and future joint initiatives aimed at strengthening criminal justice responses to IP-related offences. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Marco Musumeci, UNICRI Programme Manager responsible for the Institute’s programme on anti-counterfeiting and IP protection. Cooperation between the two organisations dates back to 2016, when an overarching Memorandum of Understanding was first established.
Addressing IP Crime in a Changing Digital Landscape
IP crime is not solely a commercial issue. It is increasingly tied to organised criminal networks, generating illicit profits that fuel broader forms of transnational crime. The expansion of online marketplaces, encrypted channels and automated tools is transforming the way IP offences are committed, creating new opportunities for counterfeiting, piracy and fraud schemes. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are also intertwined with online risks, enabling more sophisticated forms of illicit activity.
In this context, UNICRI and EUIPO emphasise the importance of strong public–private synergies to enhance preventive measures, support investigations and improve the protection of innovators and consumers. Safeguarding intellectual property is a key component of both economic stability and public security.
Strengthening Tools and Capabilities
Over nearly a decade of cooperation, the two organisations have developed concrete tools to support both enforcement authorities and right holders.
By way of example, the IP Owners’ Guide to Criminal Referrals provides a clear, step-by-step process for right holders to report criminal infringements of their IP rights. It aims to improve the quality of criminal referrals and facilitate the work of law enforcement agencies. Building on this achievement, future activities may include training for private sector stakeholders and the creation of an EUIPO-hosted interface to streamline the reporting process.
Another concrete tool developed is the EMPACT Handbook on Criminal IP Investigations. This handbook serves as a reference for investigators and prosecutors engaged in IP-related cases. Building on the successful experience of national adaptations, UNICRI stands ready to support interested EU Member States in developing tailored investigative guidelines designed to strengthen coherence and operational capacity across jurisdictions.
A Shared Commitment to Protecting Innovation and Security
By identifying the links between IP crime and organised crime and other threat actors, the partnership supports more effective cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing, and contributes to integrating IP protection within wider criminal justice strategies. As a United Nations entity with a global mandate, UNICRI also works to align approaches across regions, ensuring that the results of this cooperation support the sharing of good practices and expertise in different regions.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to further develop knowledge, tools and capacity-building measures to identify and address emerging threats to intellectual property protection.
Mr. Leif Villadsen underlined the strategic importance of UNICRI’s cooperation with EUIPO and the shared commitment to safeguarding intellectual property in a rapidly evolving environment: “UNICRI values the continued trust and partnership with EUIPO. By working together, we can strengthen the tools, knowledge, capacities and cross-sector collaboration needed to protect intellectual property, support fair markets and development, and uphold the rule of law."