United Kingdom has set up an IP Crime Group in February 2004 and similar such groups are being formed in US and Europe to combat the IP crime through different enforcement agencies including customs, police and various NGOs by framing different national strategies. IP crime has several disadvantages including loss of tax revenue, adverse impact on the innovation, illegitimate linkage with smuggling and other criminal activities. IP crime has a direct bearing on the international trade and therefore the importers of goods need to be very cautious as it may involve huge penalty and even imprisonment for import of counterfeited goods and or pirated music or software CDs or DVDs. The growth of international trade and inflow of FDI may be adversely affected due to lack of proper enforcement of IP laws in respective countries.

The response to the menace of IP crime is possible through a combination of efforts namely,
1. Government to act in partnership with various agencies by sharing intelligence,
2. Internet investigations,
3. Use of media with intensive publicity,
4. Developing national level IP crime strategy
5. Educating and training enforcement agencies,
6. Strengthening the judicial and legal system.

Above all, it is the self defence by registering one's trademark, copyright, patent and design with appropriate authorities and their timely renewal that can help protection from IP crime, along with enforcement by different Government agencies and inter-governmental cooperation in detecting IP crimes. ITAG provides a comprehensive guideline for DOES and DON'TS to avoid IP risk through its kiosk and awareness programmes as well as consultancy at various centres allover the country.

--Dr. D. R. Agarwal