T rademark / Counterfeit Goods

It is crucial to take legal advice as soon as possible if there is a possibility an investigation will be launched or allegations have been made concerning trademark / counterfeit goods.

Counterfeiting and trade descriptions involves allegations of selling goods or services which are not what they are advertised or purport to be and can come in many formats such as fake designer goods, pirate electronic goods and software. Pharmaceutical counterfeiting is also on the increase.

These types of cases are usually prosecuted by Trading Standards departments or in cases of medical products and pharmaceuticals, the MHRA. HM Revenue and Customs and the CPS also prosecute both individuals and companies for these offences.

Ebay sellers are often subject to proceedings and these cases can become complex and detailed due to the information which is used in the prosecution, such as historical purchase and sale history.

These investigations are extremely thoroughly investigated and can cause immense disruption to a business, and individuals, who are the subject matter of trademark / counterfeit goods investigations. These investigations may cause irreparable damage to reputations.

Belgravia Solicitors can advise you and liaise with authorities which may be involved in a trademark / counterfeit goods investigation, including the following:

• The Police Service (including the City of London Police)
• The Local Authority Legal Department
• Trading Standards
• Department for Work & Pensions (DWP)
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
• National Crime Agency (NCA)
• Serious Fraud Office (SFO)

At Belgravia Solicitors we robustly challenge the evidence presented, where necessary challenging the procedures undertaken to obtain the evidence, challenge the admissibility of the evidence and ensure the evidence, a trademark / counterfeit goods case is built upon, is not misinterpreted and fight your corner to give you the best chance of achieving the result you want from your case.

We will always ensure that the evidence is properly considered and will instruct appropriate experts on your behalf when evidence needs to be obtained, challenged, further examined, or excluded.

If you, your business / company, a family member / relative, or a friend are accused of or under investigation for a trademark / counterfeit goods offence, it is important to seek legal advice. Discussing your case with a specialist lawyer who understands these investigations at an early stage is essential to help understand what can be done to prepare a proper defence. We can be contacted on 03330 16 96 16 or on email: mail@belgraviasolicitors.co.uk