Police Seize Knock Off Designer Goods

Thursday, June 03, 2010 03:00 PM

Prince George - In April of 2010 Prince George RCMP began an investigation into a home run business where the owner was selling counterfeit products commonly referred to as “knock offs”, “designer goods” or “look alikes”.

The products were believed to have been manufactured or created in violation of Copyright or Trademark laws. The counterfeit product was “an imitation of a legitimate item that bears a forged copyright or trademark (logo, artwork, design or name).”

Dealing in counterfeit products is against the law and anyone found committing these offences is liable to face severe criminal penalties including large fines and imprisonment. The Copyright and Trade mark Owners may also take civil actions against anyone who deals in the this type of illegal merchandise.

Prince George RCMP spoke to the local business owner and seized a vast quantity of items which included purses, wallets, sunglasses, clothing and shoes. The items had designer names such as Dolce and Gabbana, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Balenciaga, Chloe, Miu Miu, Chanel, Burberry, Fendi, Vuitton, Gucci, Coach and Ed Hardy.

Police are not forwarding charges at this time as a warning letter was issued in this instance.

RCMP are reminding the public that the sale of counterfeit merchandise is being taken seriously as it is a growing problem that generates significant losses for legitimate industry, the economy and all levels of government.

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Posted on Thursday, June 03, 2010 03:00 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: whatintheheck on June 3 2010 5:10 PM

So if this is a growing problem, why not nip it in the butt now and make an example of this business? A "warning letter"???
This is like a slap on the wrist. This problem will just continue to grow.....

Posted by: Harbinger on June 3 2010 5:41 PM

"nip it in the "bud". Nipping it in the "butt" denotes another connotation to me.:)

Posted by: rambleon on June 3 2010 7:24 PM

If these goods are deemed as knock-offs, wouldn't it only be fair to provide the public with some information on the retailer? That was people can actually have some recourse if they've been ripped off? Essentially these folks have been stealing from their customers. Unless, of course, the people were well informed that they were buying fakes.

Posted by: Don Frye on June 3 2010 10:50 PM

prob G'z Up

Posted by: supertech on June 3 2010 11:46 PM

China can do it but we can't?? I laugh at the term 'legitimate industry'
Leave these folks alone--it's not like they're selling drugs in the school yard.

Posted by: metalman on June 4 2010 11:09 AM

The real problem lies with the people who really believe they are getting something better by paying more for a designer brand name. If there were'nt so many gullible folks with too much disposable income, the Guccis and Pradas of this world would be without a job.
metalman.

Posted by: Loki on June 4 2010 4:19 PM

I say let them have at it. This is entrepreneurial activity. Surely selling cheap knock offs is better than distributing other illicit materials.

I am sure there is no real fraud as anyone buying a branded product for less know darn well it is not legit. Besides, branding is for show.