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COUNTERFEIT AND FAKE GOODS

Tuesday 20 May 2008

Last week at a meeting of the Private Market Operators Forum they expressed very considerable concern about the implications of action taken with regard to counterfeit and fake goods. A number of NABMA members will be aware of the current proceedings that are proceeding against Wendy Fairs and the appeal which is due to be heard in September. Clearly until the appeal has been determined it is inappropriate to make any further comment about the particular case but the existence of the case gives rise to concern about the implications for all those involved in markets. 

 

NABMA has been attempting for some time to introduce a Protocol between market operators and Trading Standards to provide a framework for dealing with counterfeit and fake goods. Contact has been made with the Institute of Trading Standards and, more recently, LACORS to try and establish a Protocol that will be of benefit to both markets and Trading Standards. I am still waiting for a response from LACORS.

 

I am aware, based on previous information, that a number of NABMA members currently operate effective local arrangements with Trading Standards and it is important that this good practice is shared throughout the markets industry. Given the strength of feeling by a number of NABMA members. It is proposed, in the event that no satisfactory response is received from LACORS, to produce a NABMA Protocol to assist working with Trading Standards. This Protocol will be launched at NABMA’s Annual Conference.