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Vaudra Summer News

It's been a busy summer at Vaudra! In addition to team members taking some well-deserved vacation, investigations galore & basking in the Carolina sun, here are a few other highlights from these hot, eventful summer months.

   

Appointment to NC PPSB

In July, Tamara was appointed by Governor Cooper to serve on the Private Protective Services Board (PPSB). The purpose of the 14-member Board is to administer licensing, education & training requirements for those engaged in private protective services, such as Private Investigators and Security Guards, within North Carolina. At 40 YOA, Tamara is the youngest current Board member and one of only three women. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve the industry in this role.

     

Expert Panel Participation

In a landmark event as the first IP-focused forum organized by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), we are excited to participate on a panel discussing how inside & outside resources may best be utilized & coordinated to fight counterfeiters. Also on tap is a panel with eBay, Amazon and Alibaba, plus so much more. Click the image for registration details & full agenda.

     

Recap from AASA's IPC Meeting @ Amazon HQ (6/6/2019)

Interesting stats: 5 billion product updates daily

- Brand registry launched mid-2017; available across 12 Amazon marketplaces (all except China)

- Approaching 150,000 brands enrolled in registry

- For every 1 notification submitted by a brand, Amazon has removed 100 listings preemptively

- In 2018, over 1 million bad actor accounts stopped before posted a single item for sale

- 99% fewer suspected infringers reported per brand vs. before implementation of Brand Registry

Sphere tiers

    Although working with Amazon on behalf of clients over the years has not been without its frustrations, the Amazonians with whom we met were passionate about their desire to support brand owners' IP efforts & protect consumers from counterfeit goods. 

    Amazon continues to add new functionalities to Brand Registry to help brands (or their agents) enforce their IPR. To be eligible to register, you only need to have an active trademark for the region of the related marketplace (i.e. US-registration for Amazon.com). Now more than ever, registering is an important step to take advantage of these free tools to support your IP program. If you would like help or guidance with sample buys, enforcement or investigations on Amazon, please contact us.

     

Forgot where you parked your Ford?

Whether in the office or in the woods, investigative curiosity doesn't stop. We found this Ford, but couldn't locate a VIN. In discussing with the landowner, we aren't sure what to do next (if anything). Do we excavate it? Is it worth it? We welcome your ideas & feedback.