2021
Super Bowl anti-counterfeiting efforts; Taylor Swift’s lawyers respond to infringement claims; EUIPO on record year – news digest
In our latest news round-up, we look at Homeland Security Investigations’ success fighting sports merchandise counterfeiters, changes to the UKIPO’s online trademark application form, the latest law firm hires, and much more. Coverage this time from Trevor Little (TL), Bridget Diakun (BD), Jonathan Walfisz (JW) and Tim Lince (TJL).
Market radar:
Authorities provide update on Super Bowl anti-counterfeiting efforts – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has announced the seizure of more than 169,000 counterfeit sports-related items over the past year, worth an estimated $45 million. This announcement was made during a press conference in Tampa, Florida, in the run up to this year’s Super Bowl and reflected on the Operation Team Player initiative. The programme (run by the HSI-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, in collaboration with Customs and Border Protection, the NFL and other major sports leagues), is an ongoing annual operation that begins after every Super Bowl and runs through the next one, targeting international shipments of counterfeit sports merchandise into the United States. Since September HSI agents have also teamed with industry, CBP, Tampa police officers, and other partner agencies to identify flea markets, retail outlets and street vendors selling counterfeit goods during the week leading up to Super Bowl LV. “Operation Team Player is the most successful and long-standing collaborative effort to protect US consumers from the sale of counterfeit sports merchandise and tickets,” said NFL Vice President of Legal Affairs, Dolores DiBella. “The NFL is grateful for the diligent and tireless work of agents and officers from the IPR Center, HSI, CBP, and Tampa area law enforcement who have undertaken anti-counterfeiting measures that protect fans not only at Super Bowl LV, but all season long.” (