WILLEMSTAD - From Monday, September 23 to Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Curaçao will host the 17th International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property Crime Conference. This prestigious international event, held for the first time in the Caribbean, will attract more than 375 participants from around the world. INTERPOL is organizing this conference in collaboration with the Government of Curaçao and local partner CURINDE, as well as the Bureau for Intellectual Property of Curaçao.
Intellectual property crime is a growing problem with far-reaching economic and social consequences for countries worldwide. The trade in counterfeit products can even have serious impacts on consumer health and the political integrity of a country.
International sponsors are also participating in the event. The strong involvement of both local and international agencies and businesses, underscores the importance of this conference for Curaçao and the broader region.
The conference will bring together leading law enforcement agencies, policymakers and legal experts from around the world. This year’s theme is 'Reducing the Harm,' focusing on the challenges and developments surrounding the fight against intellectual property crime. Key topics include improving cooperation between law enforcement agencies, aligning resources, and maximizing opportunities to combat intellectual property crime. Special attention will be given to the role of free trade zones and the security of the supply chain.
Curaçao can be proud to have been chosen as the location for this prestigious event. This recognition is partly due to our strategic role as a transit hub in the global supply chain and the dynamic role our free trade zone plays in it. Additionally, the trust our local agencies have built internationally has contributed to this recognition. The efforts by our representative at INTERPOL's Secretariat also played a key role in securing the conference.
The government of Curaçao looks forward to welcoming the delegations and to further contributing to international cooperation in the fight against intellectual property crime.