Police Seize Counterfeit Clothing from Owen Sound Business

(Owen Sound, Ontario - Wednesday, January 13th, 2010) - On January 9th, 2010, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Owen Sound Police Service seized numerous counterfeit retail products from an Owen Sound business.

Owen Sound Police Service initially received a complaint from a member of the general public alleging that a local business was selling counterfeit retail products. The complainant had originally purchased brand name/designer clothing, however later discovered those items to be counterfeit. As offences under the Copyright Act are routinely investigated by the RCMP, Owen Sound Police Service and the RCMP Kitchener Detachment formed a partnership to conduct the seizure of the counterfeit retail products.

The seized items consisted of men’s clothing; shirts, pants, belts, neckties, and scarfs. Since the items were bearing designer labels without the consent of the owner of the copyright, the offence of Infringement of Copyright under the Copyright Act was violated. No charges have been laid and the investigation is ongoing.

“Canadians must be made aware that many counterfeit retail products are cheaply manufactured and illegally imported into Canada each year. Once they enter the retail market, they negatively impact legitimate businesses by selling the counterfeits at reduced prices” said Sergeant Paul THOMPSON, Kitchener RCMP Detachment Commander. “The overall effects of these illegal activities directly impact legitimate Canadian manufacturing and retail sectors as they cannot compete with the counterfeiters.”

Anyone who suspects the illegal importation, manufacture, or sale of counterfeit retail products is encouraged to contact their local police of jurisdiction for assistance.

For further information contact: Sergeant Marc LaPorte RCMP “O” Division (Ontario) Media Relations Office: (519)640-7302 Cell: (416) 992-4409