A big threat to brand owners
When fake products enter the market, they can significantly damage a brand’s reputation and revenue, in addition to harming the customers themselves.
Counterfeit products were typically sold at physical stores and markets and by door-to-door sales. However, with the ever-increasing use of the internet, online marketplaces, auctions and social media platforms have become more troublesome and accessible, meaning manufacturers and other third parties can now sell their products directly to the consumer in the UK from other parts of the world.
To tackle counterfeit issues successfully and promptly, a carefully devised anti-counterfeiting strategy is required to target areas which are likely to make the biggest impact. The earlier in the process rogue manufacturers and traders are identified, the more success there will be in preventing the sale of products in the UK. By taking a tough line, it is possible to disrupt these counterfeiting chains and divert the problem away from your brand.
It is important to take a global and holistic approach to anti-counterfeiting and use all the tools available to tackle the problem in the most efficient way. This will include using the police and Trading Standards to seize products and prosecute counterfeiters, preventing the importation of products into a relevant country by working with customs, issuing cease and desist letters and taking civil enforcement action, and working with software providers to remove infringing listings from online marketplaces and social media platforms.
We provide a global solution through our network of associate law firms which have significant expertise in dealing with anti-counterfeiting issues. In addition, we work with partners that provide technological solutions.
