On October 27, the Intellectual Property Law Program sponsored an Anchor Event with an engaging panel discussion examining the intersection of criminal and civil enforcement in intellectual property law, with a particular focus on the fight against counterfeit goods.
The event featured a distinguished panel of experts: Joseph Wheatley, senior counsel at Amazon; Kristin Pickett Herber ’01, vice president and deputy general counsel for litigation at Under Armour; and Oliver Edwards ’06, clinical law instructor and experienced IP practitioner. Together, they offered insights into the process of combating counterfeit goods to protect owners’ rights of intellectual property.
The conversation centered on the legal challenges of enforcement, criminal prosecution or civil litigation, and how these mechanisms complement one another in combating counterfeit products across industries and digital marketplaces. Panelists discussed the legal frameworks governing counterfeiting, the evolving tactics of counterfeiters, and the ongoing challenges of protecting brand integrity in the era of e-commerce and global supply chains.
Mr. Wheatley provided insights into Amazon’s multifaceted approach to identifying and removing counterfeit listings, emphasizing collaboration between corporate actors and law enforcement agencies. Ms. Herber shared her experience leading litigation strategies at Under Armour, detailing how brand owners leverage civil actions to safeguard trademarks and deter future infringement. Both shared that it takes a team of investigators, law enforcement, and attorneys to enforce IP rights. Mr. Edwards contributed an academic and practical perspective, framing the conversation with his moderation.
Sophia Skorup ’25 noted, "This event opened my eyes to a side of intellectual property law that’s both investigative and international. Hearing how attorneys, investigators, and global companies collaborate to combat counterfeiting helped me see an exciting career path that combines the tenets of intellectual property with hands-on enforcement." Sophia will be interning with the Department of Justice Criminal Fraud Division in the Spring 2026 semester.