Selling fake items on eBay
Submitted by Chris449 on Sun, 01/05/2011 - 19:22
Hi there,
If you are accused on selling fake goods on eBay and are reported to the Trading Standards what will be the most likely outcome? Will they visit you / send a letter or just ignore it and regard it as a 'Civil Matter'?
Thanks
Well, a recent case ended
Well, a recent case ended with the perpetrator being given a suspended gaol sentence, so clearly the offences potentially arising out of selling fake items on ebay can be quite serious (trademark infringement can carry sentences of up to 10 years on conviction on indictment and/or a fine up to 5k). The woman referred to above may also have all the profits she made from the items confiscated from her under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Her house was raided and all fake goods seized.
Probably not what you wanted to hear, but there you go, that's a potentially worst case scenario, but it's not an unusual outcome for those profitting from selling fake goods. Counterfeit goods cost the economy a lot of money - so sanctions are usually harsh in order to discourage continuance.
If trading standards have got
If trading standards have got involved it means that they will investigate you and see if the items are fake.
If they then find a good enough reason to be fake, then the next process is to take you to magistrates court, or they may just sumons you to magistrates if they have a good escuse.
If the items you are selling is genuine originals then you will have nothing to worry about.
Hope this helps