INTA partners with US Federal Trade Commission to combat trademark scams and counterfeits

New York, New York—August 19, 2024—The International Trademark Association (INTA) announced today its partnership with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help combat trademark scams, fraud, and counterfeit products. This collaboration provides consumers a streamlined process to report suspicious activities and trademark violations to the FTC.

Victims of trademark scams or those who have unknowingly purchased counterfeit products can now access the FTC’s reporting system and submit reports directly through the INTA and Unreal Campaign websites. The Unreal Campaign is INTA’s consumer awareness initiative to educate young adults about the importance of trademarks and brands and the dangers of purchasing counterfeit products.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our fight against scams, fraud, and counterfeiting,” said INTA Director of Anticounterfeiting Alastair Gray. “By making it easier for consumers to report these issues, we’re not only helping to build stronger cases against scammers, but we’re also raising awareness about current trends in product counterfeiting and scams that misuse trademarks and recognizable brands.”

The initiative is part of the FTC’s Sentinel Network, a collaborative effort involving more than 90 organizations dedicated to consumer protection. Each report submitted through this system contributes to the FTC’s efforts to identify and stop scammers while also serving as a valuable resource for alerting the public about emerging threats.

“When you report fraud, scams, and bad business practices to the Federal Trade Commission, you’re making a difference,” said Maria Mayo, Associate Director, Division of Consumer Response and Operations at the FTC. “Each report goes into the Consumer Sentinel Network, providing valuable information to nearly 3,000 law enforcement professionals that actively work to protect consumers in your community all over the country.”

INTA encourages consumers—who have encountered trademark scams or business imposter fraud or who suspect that they have purchased counterfeit products—to utilize this new reporting tool.

“By working together, consumers, INTA, and the FTC can create a more secure marketplace and protect the integrity of trademarks worldwide,” said Gray.

Click here to learn more or submit a report.

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