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Trademarks

Counterfeit Goods Crackdown in Northern Ireland: Trading Standards Win

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Northern Ireland Executive Government announced a victory in its efforts to combat counterfeiting, as a trader who sold counterfeit mini-figures at a Belfast market was fined a total of £500 at Belfast Magistrates' Court. Mr. Alan Crockard (36), of De Wind Drive, Comber, pleaded guilty to two charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994, related to the exposing for sale and possession of counterfeit mini-figures. The Trading Standards Service (TSS) investigation was prompted by visits to the Belfast market, where TSS officers discovered that Mr. Crockard was selling mini-figures likely to be mistaken for genuine Lego mini-figures.

Key Takeaways:

  • A trader was fined £500 for selling counterfeit mini-figures at a Belfast market, in a case brought by the Trading Standards Service (TSS).
  • The TSS investigation was sparked by visits to the Belfast market, where officers discovered the sale of counterfeit mini-figures.
  • The counterfeit mini-figures were likely to be mistaken for genuine Lego mini-figures, which are protected by several registered trademarks.
  • Mr. Alan Crockard (36), of De Wind Drive, Comber, pleaded guilty to two charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
  • The court ordered the destruction of the counterfeit goods, as part of the enforcement action.
  • A spokesperson for the TSS urged consumers to avoid buying counterfeit goods, which support criminal activity and undermine legitimate businesses.
  • Consumers who suspect they have purchased counterfeit goods are encouraged to report the matter to Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.

Statistics:

  • £500: the total fine imposed on the trader for selling counterfeit mini-figures.
  • 2: the number of charges Mr. Alan Crockard pleaded guilty to, under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
  • £0 estimated value of the counterfeit goods, which were ordered for destruction by the court.
  • 0300 123 6262: the phone number consumers can call to report suspected counterfeit goods.

Sources:

  • "A trader who sold counterfeit mini-figures at a Belfast market was today fined a total of £500 at Belfast Magistrates' Court." (Trading Standards Service, undated)
  • "The charges related to the exposing for sale and possession of counterfeit mini-figures." (Trading Standards Service, undated)

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