NRC joins IPR Center as 21st Partner Agency

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has partnered with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) in an effort to encourage information sharing on crimes related to intellectual property, ICE announced Wednesday in a release.

“I’m excited that the NRC is joining the IPR Center, which as of today represents 21 agencies that have partnered together to leverage our combined resources, skills and authorities to better combat intellectual property theft and identify and dismantle the criminal organizations that seek to profit from the manufacturing, importation and sale of counterfeit items,” said IPR Center Director Lev Kubiak.

The IPR Center was founded in 2000 and relies on the expertise of its member agencies to share information and coordinate investigations and enforcement actions related to the theft of intellectual property, ICE said.

Among the 21 partner agencies are U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations and Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

“This important interagency partnership will play a critical role in the NRC’s formal, proactive efforts to address the potential threat that counterfeit parts pose to the global supply chain, which will reduce vulnerabilities as they relate to NRC-regulated activities,” said Director of NRC’s Office of Investigations Cheryl McCrary. “This partnership initiative will enhance the fight against wrongdoing in support of the NRC’s safety and security mission.”