Counterfeits, Tariffs and the De Minimis Dilemma with Former IPR Center Director Steve Francis

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Steve Francis. Steve is the former Director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and he is currently the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board at IP House. Drawing on his extensive experience connecting intellectual property and trade, Steve offers expert insights on the tariff turmoil, an end to the de minimis exemption for China and Hong Kong, and the potential impact on counterfeit goods entering the United States.According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s 2024 IPR seizure statistics, fashion items — including handbags, jewelry, apparel and footwear — remain the top commodities seized. We discuss how fashion, cyber and counterfeiting crimes are intertwined — taking us back to the early days of fashion tech. Steve shares how a lot of these crimes are cyber-enabled, from e-commerce and phishing scams to the growing influence of dupes and social media personalities.Regarding tariffs and de minimis changes, Steve notes that while costs will increase, "the bad actors are still gonna continue to find a way to circumvent the tariffs.”Our conversation also covers the U.S.-China trade tensions and TikTok, including viral videos claiming to offer "inside looks" at Chinese manufacturers producing luxury goods. We also delve into the growing counterfeit market for weight loss and type 2 diabetes drugs, particularly GLP-1s. These medications are reshaping fashion and retail by altering the size curve and inventory. However, the GLP-1 boom comes with significant risks to consumers through the counterfeit market. Steve shares how when there’s a global demand for a particular product and consumers go outside that secure supply chain, it creates an opportunity for bad actors to take advantage of the situation. He also explains how his investigative team collaborates closely with law enforcement when combating counterfeits.In these unprecedented times, how can brands and retailers navigate trade wars while counterfeits continue to rise? Join us as we unpack these issues.Connect with Steve Francis on LinkedInLearn more about IP House: Website and LinkedInBrand Protection Guide for Small and Medium Sized BusinessesConnect with Kenya: LinkedIn and InstagramFollow Suited with Kenya WileySubscribe to the Suited newsletter