Anti-Counterfeiting

Our attorneys provide advice on legal and enforcement strategies to protect your brand both in the EU and worldwide. We have a strong track record in working with Customs, law enforcement agencies and investigators worldwide.

Counterfeiting of goods is common practice. The products produced tend to be of lower quality and may include dangerous elements for the consumer. According to the study of the Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau (CIB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), counterfeit goods make up 5 to 7% of World Trade.

Counterfeiting is a very important issue for our clients and the problems are only increasing. The Internet is contributing to the issue, creating a global market for counterfeit goods which can be hard to police.

It is therefore very important to have an anti-counterfeiting and brand protection policy and AA Thornton can assist you with this. We can provide advice on legal and enforcement strategies to protect your brand both in the European Union and worldwide. We have a strong track record in working with Customs, law enforcement agencies and investigators worldwide.

Our services include:


Online enforcement

We have vast experience in handling domain name disputes, working with investigators and attorneys in other countries to take legal and enforcement actions against counterfeiters. We also arrange for watching services and other forms of online surveillance so that you become aware of infringements as soon as possible.

Customs

We regularly file custom recordal applications for clients in the UK and the European Union. This is an effective way of having goods seized as they enter the country. Without filing recordal applications, local customs authorities will not routinely seize suspect goods. We also work with Customs authorities in countries outside the European Union. These recordals enable the customs authorities to seize suspected counterfeit goods and we work with our clients and the relevant authorities to have the goods destroyed.

Trading Standards

We work closely with Trading Standards in the UK to have counterfeit goods seized and to assist in the prosecution of offenders. We can also coordinate similar services with overseas attorneys.

Litigation against counterfeiters

We advise on strategies against infringers, including possible litigation and obtaining injunctions.

Want to know more?
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Key contacts

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Ian Gill

Partner

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Geoff Hussey

Partner

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