Hartford Intellectual Property Crime Investigations Project

This program is authorized by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011, Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2011 (Pub. L. 1121-1017, div. B, secs. 1101-1104) and Pub. L. No. 111-117, 123 Stat. 3034, 3134, and informed by section 401 of Public Law 110-403, which authorizes the Department to provide funding to support state and local intellectual property enforcement efforts. The Intellectual Property Crime Enforcement Program is designed to provide national support and improve the capacity of state, local, and tribal criminal justice systems to address intellectual property criminal enforcement, including prosecution, prevention, training, and technical assistance. This program is generally informed by section 401 of Public law 110-403, which authorizes the Department to provide funding to support state and local intellectual property crime enforcement efforts.

The City of Hartford Police Department will combat intellectual property crimes within a four-quadrant geographical area within the city of Hartford. A specialized unit within the police department will work closely with representatives of the Recording Industry Association of America and Powers and Associates to represent and protect their copyright interests.

The following project goals are proposed: (1) reduce the amount of counterfeit goods available for sale through neighborhood retailers within target areas of the city of Hartford; (2) reduce the ability of drug trade organizations to launder illegal proceeds through retail businesses; and (3) garner public attention to intellectual property crimes by achieving successful prosecutions of those engaged in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit merchandise.

CA/NCF