IACC and Guardia di Finanza Sign MOU to Strengthen Brand Protection in Italy

WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) and the Guardia di Finanza (GdF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will build upon the organizations' existing collaboration on anti-counterfeiting initiatives and programs in Italy. Specifically, the MOU will allow the organizations to share information and best practices on brand protection, with a focus on identifying and fighting online counterfeiting.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Guardia di Finanza in the fight against fakes in Italy," said Bob Barchiesi, IACC President. "Our organization's anti-counterfeiting expertise coupled with GdF's on-the-ground knowledge will strengthen local law enforcement's ability to prevent counterfeiters from taking advantage of legitimate businesses and unsuspecting consumers."

"Counterfeiting and piracy offences pose serious threats both to economy and to society," asserts Gen. Giorgio Toschi, Commanding General of GdF. "Partnership with the IACC will strongly support the fight against such international crimes, fostering the correct and proper functioning of the internal market and assuring consumer protection."

In November 2015, the IACC and GdF partnered to train more than 600 of Italy's financial police on developments in counterfeiting as well as on tools for combating fakes online. Eighteen IACC brand members also attended an officer-training event, conducting product identification training in Rome.

The MOU was signed at GdF General Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

About IACC
The IACC (www.iacc.org) is a Washington, DC-based not-for-profit organization representing the interests of companies concerned with trademark counterfeiting and the related theft of intellectual property.  The members of the IACC include many of the world's best-known brands across all product sectors.  The IACC has played a leading role in the development of cross-industry voluntary agreements, to address the illicit trafficking of counterfeit and pirated goods online, including its IACC MarketSafe® and RogueBlock® initiatives.

About GdF
Guardia di Finanza (www.gdf.gov.it) is a military Corps under the authority of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Originally established as a border police responsible for customs controls, Guardia di Finanza is now committed to fight all violations detrimental to the economic and financial interests of the State, Regions, Local Authorities and the European Union.

Its primary mission is the prevention, detection and reporting of financial crimes, ensuring compliance with political-economic provisions, carrying out sea surveillance for financial purposes as well. Guardia di Finanza also supports other police forces to maintain public order and security and shall contribute to the military defense of national borders.

SOURCE International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition

Related Links

http://www.iacc.org