Intellectual Property Crimes Task Force - Operation Knock Out Knock-Offs

This program is funded under both the Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), the Byrne Competitive Program helps local communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provides for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. The JAG Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, and JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system. The JAG Program authorization also states that 'the Attorney General may reserve not more than 5 percent, to be granted to 1 or more States or units of local government, for 1 or more of the purposes specified in section 3751 of this title, pursuant to his determination that the same is necessary'(1) to combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime' (42 U.S.C. 3756).

The Intellectual Property Enforcement, Training, and Technical Assistance Program is designed to provide national support and improve the capacity of state and local criminal justice systems to address intellectual property criminal enforcement, including prosecution, prevention, training, and technical assistance.

The Mississippi Attorney General's Office (AGO), through its 'Operation Knock Out Knock-Offs' (KOKO), will investigate and prosecute intellectual property crimes, as well as educate consumers on the dangers of counterfeit goods. This will be accomplished by: 1) establishing a statewide task force of federal, state, and local authorities; 2) increasing the knowledge of local authorities on intellectual property enforcement through intensive statewide and regional training; 3) assisting local authorities in enforcing intellectual property laws through investigatory, technical, and prosecutorial assistance; and 4) working with local authorities to educate merchants and the general public about the dangers of intellectual property crimes. To accomplish these goals, the AGO will partner with federal, state, and local authorities to develop training materials, enforcement efforts, and educational tools.

CA/NCF