A Pilning man has pleaded guilty over sales of counterfeit clothing, films and games as well as possessing a “chipped” games console.
Kane Goodman, 35, of Wainbridge Crescent, Pilning, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to 17 charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994 for selling and possessing counterfeit goods. He also pleaded guilty to one charge under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Mr Goodman’s activities came to light during the course of an investigation into the sale of counterfeit films.
In May 2008 a warrant was executed at his home address and he was arrested in connection with his business activities. Large amounts of counterfeit clothing were removed from his house along with copied games and film discs and a quantity of computer equipment.
A total of 153 items of counterfeit clothing including branded football shirts and other clothing such as Paul Smith and Lacoste, as well as Chanel handbags and Tiffany jewellery, was all confirmed by the trade mark owners as being counterfeit. In addition, 411 pirated films were removed along with 757 pirated Nintendo Wii and Playstation games.
Cllr Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: “Counterfeit sellers pocket all they earn and in this economic climate it is even more important that we take decisive action to protect legitimate traders, who are often responsible for the livelihoods of hundreds of employees.”
Neil Derrick, trading standards officer, added: “We are extremely pleased that Mr Goodman has pleaded guilty to the majority of the offences with which he is charged. This enterprise was generating income off the back of the intellectual property of others and we are glad to have stopped it.”
Mr Goodman pleaded guilty on 30 October 2009 and will be sentenced on 14 January 2010. Proceedings will follow under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, which could lead to the confiscation of funds generated by criminal activity.
Anyone who wishes to report counterfeit sales activities in the strictest confidence can do so by contacting Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
