12 October 2020
On Saturday 3 October the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) and brand representatives, along with Hertfordshire Trading Standards, National Markets Group for IP Protection (NMG) and Hertfordshire Constabulary raided an open-air market that is known for intellectual property infringement.
Bovingdon Market near Hemel Hempstead attracts counterfeiters from across the UK and sells a wide range of counterfeit and pirated goods. At the raid, 10 stalls where targeted which saw thousands of counterfeit goods being seized.
The types of goods that were removed included clothing, footwear, electrical, perfume, handbags, belts, purses, and badges. Not only were these goods counterfeit but they were potentially unsafe and had a retail value of £200,000.
Graham Mogg, Intelligence Coordinator at ACG and Chair of the NMG, took part in the action and commented: “Counterfeit products are not only bad news for consumers, but also for legitimate, hard-working local business owners who risk losing sales’’.
The raid action was a multi-agency approach and part of Operation Big Ben which has has been running since 2008 and supports market operators facing issues with the sale of counterfeit and pirated goods at their markets.
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.