The Alameda
County Sheriff’s Department
has been a
driving force in
pursuing trademark counterfeiting cases
in Northern California.
Their efforts have
been outstanding over
the past few
years.
The case
all started when
an observant Investigator
observed a sign
on the side
of a van
asking people to
host a replica
purse party. Not
such a bright
idea if you
are committing a
crime and don’t
want to be
arrested.
Investigators made
contact with the
subject and made
multiple undercover purchases
from her. The
subject admitted that
all the items
she was selling
were counterfeit and she
also stated that
she knew it
was against the
law to be
selling the items.
It was
learned during the
investigation that the
subject was hosting
her purse parties
at high schools,
country clubs, charity
events, coffee shops,
and wineries. It is amazing
that the subject
was able to
sell her illicit
goods in such
venues, considering that
the venues could
also be held
civilly liable for
the activities conducted
on their properties.
There have
been multiple civil
cases against swap
meets, flea markets
and other property
owners for allowing
the sale of
counterfeit goods on
their properties. Several
brand owners have
secured multimillion dollar
awards. Property owners
and landlords need
to be very
diligent to ensure
that counterfeit goods
are not sold
on their properties.
Investigators arranged
to “host” a
purse party at
a local hotel.
The subject whole
heartedly agreed and
showed up for
the party with
a cache of
counterfeit goods. The
Alameda County Sheriff’s
Department ended the
party by seizing
all the counterfeit
goods and cutting
the “party” short.
The efforts
in Alameda County
have been outstanding.
Kris Buckner, Investigative Consultants
