IACC Annual Conference 2025: Evolving Strategies in Online Brand Protection
The IACC (International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition) Annual Conference took place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego from May 14–16, 2025. This annual event brings together brand protection professionals from around the world to network, educate, and share ideas and services aimed at combating the global issue of counterfeiting.
A Diverse Lineup of Participants and Services
The event’s sponsors and booth participants were diverse in both service offerings and geographic representation. There were companies offering brand protection solutions, physical goods protection, continuing education and certification programs related to intellectual property, investigative services, and U.S. governmental agencies involved in raids and seizures of counterfeit goods.
The Growing Role of eCommerce Platforms
One notable trend among the IACC sponsors and exhibitors was the increasing presence of eCommerce platforms. Alibaba, Amazon, DH Gate, Shopee, and Temu were all official sponsors and had representatives on-site to engage with attendees and discuss their platforms. While not a sponsor, Walmart also made a notable appearance as a participating platform.
As global counterfeiting continues to surge, eCommerce platforms are playing a larger role in curbing the sale of counterfeit goods. Platform representatives expressed a strong interest in working with brands and protection providers to find and implement solutions. Many are now taking a more proactive approach to detecting and removing infringing products, which creates a safer and more profitable environment for legitimate sellers.
BrandShield Announces the Launch of BrandShield Resolve
One of the standout moments at this year’s IACC was the announcement by BrandShield of its new solution—BrandShield Resolve. Designed for small to mid-sized security teams, Resolve offers a flexible, SaaS-based platform for managing external threats like phishing, impersonation, social media fraud, and dark web risks. The tool empowers organizations to take control of threat mitigation while still benefiting from BrandShield’s expert oversight. This launch reflects the growing demand for scalable, easy-to-use brand protection technologies that don’t compromise on power or insight.
Roundtables with Leading Platforms
Roundtables with organizations such as Meta, Visa, Mastercard, and the aforementioned eCommerce platforms provided deeper insights into their internal enforcement processes. These sessions also highlighted the reporting tools and takedown mechanisms they offer to brand protection providers, allowing for more efficient and direct collaboration.
The Importance of Continued Education in Brand Protection
As infringers evolve their methods and exploit advancing technologies, the need for ongoing education in the brand protection field has never been greater. Certification programs are being developed to help professionals enhance their knowledge in areas such as trademarks, intellectual property, and illicit trade. These programs are designed to support brand protection professionals at all stages of their careers.
Innovation, Integrity, and Collaboration Drive Success
The IACC conference moves quickly, filled with both formal sessions and informal meetings across the venue. Exhibitors work hard to demonstrate the value of their offerings and what sets them apart. While the brand protection space remains competitive with new players entering regularly, one consistent theme echoed throughout the event: long-term success depends on integrity, innovative technology, in-house expertise, and a reputation built on trust, results, and collaboration.
Ready to take control of your brand’s online presence?
Learn how BrandShield Resolve can help your team proactively detect and eliminate external threats like phishing, impersonation, and counterfeit listings—without the complexity. Schedule a demo to see it in action.