Two Men Jailed for Trade Mark Offences
Surelock, as part of its ongoing brand protection programme for clients, routinely works alongside UKBF (Customs) detaining counterfeit product when it enters the UK from China. On this occasion goods were detained at Coventry Parcel Force Hub and Heathrow (Langley) Hub. After Enfield Trading Standards officers identified the importers there followed a lengthy investigation…
On Monday 14th December 2015 Amisi Chora Michelino and Egido Kuba were sentenced after pleading guilty for offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994- S92(b)(1).
Michelino was sentenced to 5 years, which was reduced for his guilty plea at the start of the trial in April to 4 years 3 months.
Kuba was also convicted of perverting the course of justice (for which he has previous) and this was done whilst he was on bail for importing counterfeit goods (an aggravating factor), so he received a longer sentence of 4 years 6 months.
Forfeiture of the goods was granted but no costs were applied for because the men were in prison
The investigation and subsequent prosecution cost the Enfield local authority over £50,000.