Companies large and small are able to protect their intellectual property by registering their name, brand or logo with the trade marks registry. Companies may spend many years creating, designing and marketing their brands.

Reputations built up can be destroyed overnight should your goods suddenly appear to the counterfeiters.

Successful and popular branded goods are easy targets for unscrupulous counterfeiters who can make vast profits in ‘ripping off’ these goods. The range of goods now affected includes; DVD’s, CD’s, computer software, clothing, food, medicines, cleaning products, alcohol, cigarettes even viagra! The counterfeiters pose serious safety and economic issues locally, nationally and internationally.

Trading Standards combat the counterfeiters by enforcing the Trade Marks Act 1994. Prosecutions brought against counterfeiters may now result in custodial sentences as the Government has attempted to curb the tide of counterfeit products flooding the market place by imposing these deterrent sanctions.

HM Revenue & Customs may also provide specific surveillance protection at ports and airports for those companies experiencing problems with counterfeit versions of their products being shipped to the UK.

If you have a company brand and reputation in need of protection then DO consider registering with the Trade Marks Registry.