Trading standards online counterfeit goods warning
- Published
People selling counterfeit goods via online auction sites could face legal action, says Powys trading standards.
The warning comes after a Builth Wells man was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay 拢1,200 costs following a trial in court.
He was prosecuted for four offences under the Trademarks Act 1994 for selling counterfeit hats.
Trading standards said the man imported the products from the Far East, and sold them from his home address.
It added that the hats were marked with the brand New Era.
County trading standards officer Clive Jones said: "Firm action is needed on any issues related to product counterfeiting to promote fair trading within our community.
"We would also advise users on auction sites to demonstrate extreme care when dealing direct with suspect wholesales sites as importing suspect products will make them liable to potential criminal proceedings."
Tony Swaffield, brand protection director for New Era Cap, said: "As the largest global sporting manufacturer and supplier of licensed headwear, we fully commend the council's role and thankful for their support in conducting this operation."
The Builth Wells man denied the charges against him when he appeared at Brecon magistrates' court on 9 November.