Trade Stalls - Counterfeit Goods

Counterfeit goods are poor quality, unreliable and sometimes unsafe. The sale of counterfeit goods has a direct economic effect on trade and the safety of consumers and visitors in Westmorland and Furness.

Trading Standards will monitor and investigate the sale of counterfeit goods in shops, car boot sales and markets. Any trader supplying counterfeit goods can face prosecution under the Trade Marks Act or Copyright, Design and Patents Act. Fines of up to £5,000 can be imposed in the Magistrates Court and/or imprisonment up to 6 months. Unlimited fines may be imposed by the Crown Court with up to 10 years imprisonment for Trade Marks offences.

If Trading Standards Officers find counterfeit items being sold, those items will be seized and subject to forfeiture. If you have information about the sale of counterfeit items please contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 or Police on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.