Last November, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the New York Police Department announced the seizure of more than $1 billion worth of counterfeit luxury goods. It was the largest bust of its kind in U.S. history.  

Counterfeiting isn’t just about knockoff handbags or fake watches—it’s a serious crime that undermines businesses and deceives consumers. It’s a booming industry, considered the largest illicit trade in the world, with $2 trillion worth of counterfeit products sold to consumers annually, according to the National Crime Prevention Council. At its core, counterfeiting involves the unauthorized use of someone else’s trademark. Whether it’s a small startup or a global corporation, trademarks are essential for businesses to distinguish their products and build consumer trust.