A unique new course which aims to help in the fight against intellectual property (IP) crime and illicit trade has just launched at the University of Portsmouth.
The Certificate in Intellectual Property Crime and Illicit Trade is not available anywhere else. It is being delivered by the University's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice in cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization, known as INTERPOL. It provides unparalleled access to the latest research and expertise in the field of IP crime and illicit trade on a global scale.
IP crime is a huge global problem, worth about $500 billion a year. However, it's not just a financial issue. There are other impacts of counterfeit goods, such as medicines, cosmetics, toys and car parts that injure and even kill people. Reports show that 188,000 people die each year around the world due to fake medicines and 36,000 are killed in car crashes as a result of fake vehicle components.
People all around the world are being injured or killed by counterfeit goods every day - this course will make a real difference in giving law enforcement the knowledge needed to fight back.
Dr David Shepherd, , Senior Lecturer
The new, part-time course is designed to be long-distance, which means students can access it in their own time anywhere in the world and is spread over 18 weeks. This gives people flexibility to fit it in around their work and home life. Reading materials and online lectures are complimented by live online seminars, with lecturers that are passionate about their subject. Many of them work with law enforcement and industry, which makes the course current, practical and embedded in reality.
The course covers:
- Gaining an understanding of IP rights and the international legal framework
- Appreciating the extent and impact of IP crime and illicit trade
- Exploring IP crimes and offenders, methods of policing the crimes, and strategies for the protection and enforcement of IP rights
- Developing the skills needed in academic reading, writing, referencing, presentation and analytical thinking
- Being able to share learning and experiences virtually with peers in an international environment to help development of professional practices
The best thing about this course is that people from all parts of the world get to meet each other, help each other with their studies and share their experiences. They get to learn from each other, so it becomes a community of practitioners.
Dr David Shepherd, Senior Lecturer
The course has been accredited by INTERPOL and is designed to supplement INTERPOL's global academy training programme.
Dr David Shepherd, course leader, says: "People all around the world are being injured or killed by counterfeit goods every day - this course will make a real difference in giving law enforcement the knowledge needed to fight back."
The credits that are awarded on the course are recognised across the world. So, for those that have not previously studied at a higher education level, the course is a pathway into it. It is also an ideal next step to a career in law enforcement, security or brand protection, in either the private or public sector.
Dr Shepherd adds: "The best thing about this course is that people from all parts of the world get to meet each other, help each other with their studies and share their experiences. They get to learn from each other, so it becomes a community of practitioners."
