An Island resident selling goods on ebay and via a website has accepted a formal caution from the OFT after a significant proportion of the goods were found to be counterfeit.
The trader applied well known trade marks to the goods, mainly stickers and cigarette lighters, and operated from his home address.
The trade marks infringed included amongst many others those of motorcycle manufacturers Honda, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Norton, Ducati, Aprilia, Harley-Davidson and BSA, motorcycle helmet manufacturers Arai and Shoei, car manufacturers Aston Martin, Bentley and Ferrari, and football clubs Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona, Rangers and Celtic. In addition, the TT trade mark was infringed.
John Peet, Chief Inspector of Trading Standards said:
'I suspect that most individuals who make use of social media and online marketplaces to sell counterfeit goods are blissfully unaware of the fact that they could be being monitored by enforcement agencies. In this case, having regard to all the circumstances, we decided that a formal caution was appropriate, however, online sellers should be aware that anyone found guilty in court of selling counterfeit goods or of advertising such goods for sale would be liable to a substantial fine and/or a lengthy prison sentence.'
Mr David Quirk MHK, Chairman of the OFT said:
'The OFT will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action with respect to counterfeit goods to prevent dangerous or shoddy goods being sold to unwitting consumers, to protect genuine businesses and to protect the rights of trade mark owners.'
