Counterfeiting has evolved far beyond cheap knock-offs. Today's fakes are increasingly difficult to distinguish from the real thing, and the consequences extend well beyond lost brand revenue. This session explores the full scope of the modern counterfeiting problem, from the dangerous materials found in fake consumer goods to the exploitative conditions faced by those who produce them. Attendees will gain insight into how counterfeiting impacts brand integrity, what legal and investigative strategies are most effective in combating it, and how prevention efforts are keeping pace with an increasingly sophisticated threat.
Francesca Witzburg is the Founder and Managing Partner of ESCA Legal, a boutique intellectual property firm dedicated to helping brands protect and monetize their IP in the digital age. Before launching ESCA, she honed her expertise at Dentons and in-house with brands including Prada, Tory Burch, and Diamonds International. In 2025, ESCA Legal was recognized as a Chambers Spotlight IP firm, and Francesca has been named a New York Super Lawyers Rising Star and a Best Lawyers "One to Watch." A sought-after voice in the IP space, she has spoken at conferences nationwide, been quoted in Women's Wear Daily and Law360, and built an audience of over 25,000 followers through her platform at @thetrademarkattorney, where she examines pop culture through the lens of IP law.
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