Counterfeiting

The specialist counterfeiting solicitors at DPP Law are well aware of how easy it is to be duped into selling counterfeit goods unknowingly. We have successfully represented numerous clients who had no idea that they were doing anything wrong in stocking the items or handling the money in question, and yet found themselves facing a severe penalty for selling counterfeit goods.

Our counterfeit goods solicitors will assist you throughout your case, working closely with you and your business to gather evidence in order to prove your innocence, and providing you with expert representation and the best possible counterfeiting defence should you be required to go to court.

The anti-counterfeiting legislation that residents of the UK must observe is the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981. Counterfeiting may refer to the creation of false replicas of either a type of currency – in order to illegally purchase goods or services – or of goods or products – in order to sell them as originals.

Counterfeit bank notes, designer goods such as handbags or watches and electronics such as phones, music players and other devices are among the most common items to be the subject of counterfeiting.

You may be accused of counterfeiting if there is reason to believe you had committed:

• Forgery (of money or any other item)
• Fraud
• Intellectual property or copyright theft

Counterfeiting solicitors can help you to argue that you were not aware that any of the goods your company has sold were counterfeit, and can assist you in deciding on measures to prevent any similar mistakes from happening again.

If you were inspired by a particular item and decided to create your own, counterfeit goods solicitors will help you to present a counterfeiting defence proving that you were not aware of any copyright or trademark on that particular design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes counterfeiting?

Counterfeiting is the act of creating or knowingly using or having in your control a false replica of a type of currency, or creating or knowingly handling or selling a fake product in an attempt to pass it off as an original and thereby benefit financially.

Who investigates counterfeiting?

Both the police and Trading Standards investigate possible instances of counterfeiting.

What is the punishment for counterfeiting?

The penalty for producing counterfeit goods or currency is a 10 year custodial sentence or an unlimited fine, and the penalty for selling counterfeit goods is the same. If you become aware that you have mistakenly sold fake items, you should contact specialist counterfeiting solicitors as soon as possible and provide them with as much proof as you can.

The counterfeit goods solicitors at DPP Law will work hard to defend you against the severe penalties associated with creating or selling fake goods or forging currency.

If you are concerned that you may have accidentally handled an item or banknote that was not genuine, our counterfeiting solicitors will offer you all of the advice and support you need. Contact us today.

Our criminal defence solicitors can defend you if you have been accused of any of the below criminal offences:

• Burglary, Robbery, Theft and Handling
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