Operation in Our Sites
Overview
Operation In Our Sites (IOS) is an initiative by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) that targets online distributors of counterfeit products and intellectual property infringers. IOS focuses on building long-term investigations to pinpoint targets in the US, as well as the assets and financial operations behind infringing websites both domestically and internationally. The goal is to arrest and prosecute the offenders, and seize their assets and domain names.
Focus
When a website domain is seized, it's redirected to a server controlled by the IPR Center. Visitors to these sites then see a seizure banner which educates them about the dangers of counterfeit products found online. These banners can even feature logos from all the agencies involved in the operation.
Additionally, the IPR Center works with rights holders and industry partners to display anti-piracy warnings before movies in theaters and on DVD and Blu-ray discs. These messages aim to educate the public about intellectual property theft and inform them about violations, helping to curb piracy.