Trademark/Counterfeit Goods Defence Solicitors

If you or your business are the subjects of a Trading Standards investigation or prosecution concerning possible trademark breaches, counterfeit goods or the unauthorised copying of registered designs, our specialist solicitors can provide the expert advice, assistance and representation you or your business needs.

We understand how disruptive such an investigation can be, both personally and professionally. Our respected solicitors are highly qualified and vastly experienced in cases of this type and can help you to robustly defend against any allegations. We have been at the forefront of defending charges of trademark breaches, fraud and counterfeiting for many years. Our team is recognised as Top Tier for its criminal defence services in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

To speak to JMW about defending against an investigation into a matter concerning counterfeit goods, contact us today. Call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form and we will call you back at a convenient time.

How JMW Can Help

The team at JMW can provide assistance to businesses of all sizes in relation to all matters concerning trademark offence, counterfeit goods or unauthorised copying. We have extensive expertise in handling cases where individuals and businesses have been accused of buying or selling items such as:

• Fake designer goods
• Pirate DVDs
• Pirate CDs
• Fake perfumes
• Fake accessories
• Fake pharmaceuticals
• Fake PPE

If you have been accused of selling, handling, possessing or marketing counterfeit goods, or those that breach the registered proprietor’s trademark, we can help.

Over the years, our solicitors have seen an increase in these types of cases due to the rising popularity of internet auction sites to buy and sell goods, and we have always been at the forefront of legal developments in this area. We have represented businesses and individuals who have imported what they believed to be genuine products in good faith only to later discover they were fake, leaving them facing criminal charges.

As well as providing advice and representation in relation to Trading Standards investigations into trademark breaches and counterfeit items, we can also assist if investigations and prosecutions are commenced by various other regulatory bodies, including but not restricted to:

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• National Crime Agency (NCA)
• Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
• Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

Our solicitor’s experience and in-depth knowledge of the law surrounding Trading Standards investigations into trademarks and counterfeit goods means we are able to start building a proactive defence very early into the investigation to safeguard your or your business’s interests.

Why Choose JMW?

We are highly experienced in providing expert advice and representation for all types of trademark and counterfeit investigations and proceedings. The team understands the counterfeit goods market and know that individuals or businesses can become involved in it without being aware, in which case, it is imperative to seek legal assistance to prevent action from being taken against you or your business.

Our solicitors work closely with our dedicated intellectual property department in cases of counterfeiting, bringing added years of experience and knowledge to boost the success of our cases.

A Trading Standards investigation and penalties arising from it can be very serious. It is, therefore, vital that you have the right people in your corner should you face such charges. We are known for our professionalism and ability to get the right results in even the most complex cases, such as those involving allegations of fraud, trademark breaches and counterfeit items.

What Happens if I am Facing a Trading Standards Investigation?

If you are facing a Trading Standards investigation regarding the buying or selling of counterfeit goods, it is important to secure early legal representation to protect yourself or your business, and our specialist team can help by:

• Preventing, where possible, investigations escalating to civil or criminal proceedings by providing practical advice and negotiating early outcomes with the regulator/prosecutor
• Attending interviews or meeting where you or your business is being challenged to represent your interests and ensure the interview is conducted in a fair manner
• Preparing written statements on your behalf
• Defending you throughout the investigative stage
• Seeking to avoid prosecution by negotiating with regulators on your behalf to find a flexible solution that is best for your business
• Where prosecutions have already commenced, we have extensive experience in defending Magistrates’ and Crown Court proceedings