Problem: An association wanted to create a more effective public/private partnership to deal with the growing global issue of intellectual property protection. Specifically, it sought to set up a model law enforcement task force to help control product counterfeiting.

Action: Fairfax worked with federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to devise a framework for criminal prosecutions. Working through our international network, we helped create a model task force that included a special unit within Interpol. We also participated in several key undercover operations to identify distributors of counterfeit products that posed a threat to public health and safety.

Result: Task forces were created on the East and West Coasts of the United States, and Congress passed legislation stiffening the penalties for product counterfeiting.