A Man in Woolwich has been jailed for selling £150,000 of fake Justin Bieber and One Direction merchandise
In July 2014, Surelock International Limited provided the City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) with evidence leading to a prison sentence of 30 months for Woolwich man Meraj Gul, who pleaded guilty to selling goods with unauthorised trademarks.
Acting Detective Superintendent and Head of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), Peter Ratcliffe, said: “This sentencing proves that producing, selling and distributing fake goods online will not go unpunished. Not only does this act deprive the creative industry of revenue, it also puts the livelihoods of those working in it at risk.”
“Through the hard work of our officers, and working with industry partners such as Surelock, we have effectively brought the man responsible to justice.”
Director of Surelock, Ron Harrison, said: “Surelock are one of the UK’s most pro-active brand protection companies, who represent a number of clients including music artists where we act as enforcement agents for Trademarks and Rightsholders Against Piracy (TRAP). We received excellent service and cooperation from City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU). A large amount of counterfeit merchandise was seized and this was ultimately a very successful operation for which we are grateful.”