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Is
This the Real Thing?
Our client,
an international manufacturer of leisure clothing was plagued
with counterfeit products throughout Europe. Things were so
bad that the ‘pirated’ products were often found
being sold alongside the real thing at retail outlets.
The pirates were well organised, well financed and ruthless
in penetrating this lucrative market.
By working alongside colleagues in various European cities,
we were able to gather information on the methodology of the
pirate operation. In time, using a combination of surveillance,
undercover operatives, informants and leg work, we obtained
details of distributors, had identified those retailers that
were buying in pirated goods and had followed the pirated
products to their source of manufacture.
We gained enough information to organise an elaborate ‘sting’
operation, where we worked alongside lawyers and police. In
the country of manufacture a Trading Standards Authority did
not appear to exist. We successfully seized a very substantial
quantity of pirated products, and civil and criminal proceedings
were pursued against those persons we had identified.
It is of course the case that the pirates never really give
up and will continue to trade on the back of brand products.
Taking robust action at least sends them the message that
you will not surrender your brand without a fight. If they
know you will do all that is necessary to protect your brand,
they might, just might, go elsewhere.
If we can help you with a similar problem, please
call +44 (0)20 7868 1663 the consultation is free.
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