07 March 2018
The World Cup is only three months away and the counterfeiters are already hard at work copying football shirts, boots etc. for sale to unsuspecting football fans. ACG were one step ahead today, in its fight against fakes, by holding a Border Force Training Day at Heathrow airport.
Big brands including Nike, adidas, Puma, New Balance, Liverpool FC, Manchester United FC, Mitre and The Premier League exhibited counterfeit and genuine products to raise awareness and demonstrate to officers from Heathrow Border Force and HMRC the features that identify whether a branded product is genuine or fake.
“This was a really well attended event, with up to 70 officers visiting the exhibition during the day. Imports of fake goods in the UK accounted for as much as £9.3 billion in 2013 and counterfeiting has clear links to criminal activities such as; people trafficking, drugs, firearms and corruption. ACG is working hard to support Border Force disrupt the illicit trade in counterfeit goods and ensure the voice of business is heard” explained Alison Statham, ACG Director of Operations.
ACG will be running more Border Force events during the year.
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.