24 December 2018
Phil Lewis, Director General at the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) appeared on the 6 o’clock and the 10 o’clock News on Sunday 23 December. He was highlighting the problem of counterfeit goods which are flooding towns and cities in the UK.
Vast quantities of fake products, many of which may be dangerous such as; perfume, cosmetics, electrical goods and toys are entering the country and are being sold on markets, the high street and even from people’s homes.
“It is illegal to sell counterfeit products and for those who are buying them, they probably don’t realise it but, they are funding terrorism, people trafficking, gun sales and other serious crimes.
“The UK government is losing millions of pounds in unpaid taxes every year. About 4% of all imports into the UK are now fake and they are destroying jobs and they’re crippling our industries” commented Phil Lewis.
ACG calls on the UK Government to ensure IP crime is a strategic priority for all IP law enforcement agencies and that their business plans match each other’s needs and outline the joint tactics and intelligence necessary to fully intercept the transportation, marketing, sale and distribution of counterfeit products within and at our borders.
You can view the BBC News feature here: https://goo.gl/Vwrarf
ACG represents more than 3,000 brands affected by this influx of fakes into the UK and delivers an international network of information, advice and contacts on all aspects of IP protection. Working with Government and law enforcement agencies since 1980, ACG is focused on providing an effective and sustained response to counterfeiting.
Membership with the ACG is the best way to work with government and enforcement bodies to protect your brand. Our Roadshows and training days help you reach out to police, trading standards and border force officers and tell them about your genuine products.