IP Prosecutors and Investigators in Bangkok and Singapore Receive Training from DOJ Cyber and IP Experts

March 19th, 2010
By Tracy Russo

Department of Justice cyber experts recently helped to train prosecutors and investigators in Singapore and Bangkok on important forensics and evidence issues in intellectual property (IP) cases. The in-country training builds on successful cyber forensics training prosecutors and investigators received during a December 2009 workshop held in Washington, D.C., with partners in the IP Crimes Enforcement Network (IPCEN).

Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) Trial Attorney John Zacharia and Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordinator for Asia Christopher Sonderby offered tips and information on obtaining and using electronic evidence in intellectual property cases. Cyber Crime Laboratory Director Ovie Carroll discussed a wide range of forensic issues, including imaging, methodology and other issues related to evidence identification and analysis.

One hundred prosecutors and investigators attended the one-day Singapore program in March, while 130 Thai prosecutors and investigators were in attendance for the first day of the two-day program in Bangkok, and 150 Thai judges attended the second day.

This targeted forensics training is a groundbreaking effort by the IPCEN, which was established in 2007. The IPCEN serves two primary functions: to facilitate the exchange of successful investigation and prosecution strategies in combating domestic piracy and counterfeiting crimes; and to strengthen communication channels to promote coordinated, multinational prosecutions of the most serious offenders. By reaching out to a group of investigators overseas to conduct sophisticated analysis of computer data, the mission of the IPCEN will be advanced and the opportunity for larger domestic and multi-national cases will increase.

The IPCEN conference reflects the continuing outreach efforts of IP Law Enforcement Coordinator Sonderby, who also acts as the Justice Department’s Attaché, as well as CCIPS and the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT).

On Feb. 12, 2010, the Attorney General announced the formation of a new Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property as part of a Department-wide initiative to confront the growing number of domestic and international intellectual property (IP) crimes.

More information about the Department’s efforts to combat Intellectual Property Crime can be found at: http://www.cybercrime.gov/