Many folks
think that counterfeit
goods are only
sold in shady
areas of town
or at swap
meets and flea
markets. Nothing could
be further from
the truth. Counterfeit
goods have been
found in all
types of retail
locations.
According to
various media accounts,
Tiffany & Co.
recently sued Costco
for allegedly selling
counterfeit goods. If
you research trademark
counterfeiting through the
open source, you
will find countless
examples of counterfeit
goods being sold
in all types
of venues that
you would never
think would sell
counterfeit goods.
The LAPD’s
Hollywood Vice Unit
recently learned this
first hand when
they took down
an upscale boutique
selling counterfeit jewelry.
The boutique was
located on the
world famous Melrose
Avenue in Hollywood
in the same
area where many
world famous designer
boutiques are located.
The owner
of the boutique
was sent a
cease and desist
notice from a
brand owner prior
to the criminal
action taking place,
however the owner
chose to ignore
it and continued
their trademark counterfeiting activities.
This happens more
than you think.
The LAPD
took swift action
on the case
and the owner
is now facing
criminal charges. The
sell of counterfeit
goods robs legitimate
businesses of sales and can
easily tarnish a
brand’s reputation.
You never
know where you
will find counterfeit
goods being sold.
