The IP protection team at Rubie’s UK – led by global head of anti-piracy Mike O’Connell – have contributed to the successful prosecution of another rogue trader, working alongside Flintshire County Council Trading Standards team.
Early last year the Rubie’s team contacted Flintshire County Council Trading Standards Service to report an Ebay supplier of counterfeit superhero costumes, registered to the local area. Following an in-depth investigation, Ashley Turner – who owned and ran the Cestrian Sports eBay trading site – pleaded guilty to seven charges of supplying and possessing counterfeit goods under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
The investigation began with a test purchase, which was confirmed to be counterfeit by a representative of Warner Bros. Then, in September last year, a search was carried out at Mr Turner’s home address and the registered trading address of the business.
Some 250 counterfeit items were seized, with a street value of £7,236.22.
The court accepted that Mr Turner was of previous good character and had simply failed to understand the significance of registered trademarks. He was fined £1,125 and ordered to pay investigation costs and compensation to Rubie’s, totalling £10,772.22.
“This is another fantastic result for the team at Rubie’s in our fight against counterfeit products and those who sell them,” said Mike. “We would like to express our thanks to all of the officers at Flintshire Trading Standards for their support and assistance from the outset of this operation.”
He continued; “Successful prosecutions such as this, demonstrate how rogue traders are being combatted as a result of close collaboration between Rubie’s and law enforcement. Together we are fighting back against the persistent threat of counterfeit costumes and toys. Our global team works extensively on detecting and removing counterfeit products, across all trading platforms and in store.”
“This is a very good result,” added Flintshire councillor Chris Bithell. “The fine and compensation reflects that these crimes are not the victimless crimes as many perceive. This is theft of trade marks that companies spend large amounts of money to develop and it also has an adverse effect on those companies that sell the genuine products.”
If a party retailer suspects they may have inadvertently purchased counterfeit goods or know of anyone selling them they should report it to Trading Standards on 03454 040506.
