Counterfeit goods cost the UK economy billions, but what happens when a case moves from your desk to a criminal investigation?
This session will give you an unrivalled behind-the-scenes look at how the UK IPO and PIPCU work together to tackle criminal counterfeiting, with speakers from both organisations joining forces to tell the full story - including an essential briefing on the new anti-counterfeiting referral gateway and what it means for UK attorneys.
From the UK IPO's role in intelligence and policy to PIPCU's boots-on-the-ground investigative work, you'll get an authoritative walkthrough of how these two bodies collaborate at every stage - and how the new referral gateway is streamlining that process, reducing friction and driving faster enforcement action.
A compelling real-world case study anchors the session in reality, demonstrating precisely how the partnership between the UK IPO and PIPCU turns a well-prepared referral into criminal enforcement action against the counterfeiters that keep brand owners up at night.
For IP professionals advising clients on enforcement strategy, this is your essential guide to making the most of the new gateway from day one.
Learning outcomes
- Understand how the UK IPO and PIPCU collaborate throughout a criminal counterfeiting investigation
- Know the standards and expectations applied at each stage of the process
- See how a real case progresses from referral through to investigation
- Identify what makes a strong criminal IP referral
- Appreciate the full scope of PIPCU's role in UK IP enforcement
Meet your speakers
Kate Caffery, Head of Intelligence, UK IPO
Kate holds a Law degree and began her career with the Metropolitan police as an intelligence analyst where she developed expertise in data-driven policing and operational intelligence. She went on to serve for seventeen years with the National Crime Agency, specialising in the disruption of serious organised crime through financial investigation and asset recovery, and latterly in international law enforcement cooperation serving at British Embassy, The Netherlands as a diplomatic attaché.
Kate joined the UK IPO in 2023 as Head of Intelligence and also served as interim Deputy Director from October 2024 to February 2026, responsible for leading the IPO's intelligence function and law enforcement partnership working. As Head of Intelligence, Kate is responsible for the IPO Intelligence Gateway (including PIPCU referrals) and Financial Investigation capabilities and leads the IP Crime Centre of Excellence Transformation Project.
Andrew Clarke, Partnerships and Investigations Manager, PIPCU
Andrew is the Partnerships and Investigations Manager at the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), leading on external partnerships and investigation referrals. A former Detective Inspector with 30 years of policing experience, Andrew previously headed the Cyber Crime Unit and served as a Digital Media Coordinator, overseeing major covert, cyber, and counter-terrorism operations.
After retiring in 2022, he spent over three years as Head of Investigations at the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), where he led efforts to disrupt illegal IPTV networks and protect IP rights in collaboration with law enforcement and industry. He brings extensive expertise in tackling organised crime and intellectual property threats, both online and offline.
Cost
- Member £0 (VAT exempt)
- Standard £35 (VAT exempt)
To note
- Payment online via debit or credit card only; proforma invoices are not available.
- Full terms and conditions apply.
- Closing date: 12.30pm, Wednesday 10th June 2026
