About the role
IProtect Global is seeking an experienced Investigator to join our North American enforcement team based in Chicago. You'll conduct covert and open-source investigations into counterfeit operations, IP theft and brand abuse — gathering admissible evidence that powers takedowns, seizures and litigation across the US market and beyond.
You'll work alongside our legal partners and client success teams, operating with a high degree of autonomy in the field while contributing intelligence back to our centralised platform. This role suits a detail-oriented, methodical investigator who understands how counterfeit supply chains work and knows how to build watertight cases.
What you'll do
- Conduct physical and digital investigations into counterfeit goods, trademark infringement and IP abuse targeting client brands
- Execute covert test purchase operations — documenting transactions, gathering evidence and maintaining chain of custody
- Conduct marketplace surveillance across major US and international e-commerce platforms
- Compile detailed investigation reports to litigation-ready standard for use by IP attorneys and enforcement agencies
- Liaise with US Customs and Border Protection, local law enforcement and other regulatory bodies where required
- Attend trade shows, markets and distribution hubs to gather on-the-ground intelligence
- Feed findings into the IProtect Intelligence Platform to support broader pattern analysis
What we're looking for
- 3+ years of experience in investigations — brand protection, law enforcement, private investigation, compliance or a related field
- Strong understanding of counterfeit supply chains, grey market distribution and online marketplace enforcement
- Experience writing detailed, evidence-based investigation reports
- Ability to work independently in the field and manage multiple concurrent cases
- Comfortable conducting covert operations and maintaining operational security
- US work authorisation required
Nice to have
- Prior experience in brand protection, anti-counterfeiting or IP enforcement
- Existing relationships with CBP, Homeland Security Investigations or law enforcement
- Familiarity with OSINT tools, digital forensics or marketplace monitoring platforms
- Second language — Spanish particularly valued for this market
What we offer
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonus
- Chicago-based role with flexibility for field work across the US
- Work on high-profile, globally significant IP cases
- Access to best-in-class intelligence tools and legal support
- A fast-growing team with real career progression opportunities