Fake Gucci handbags, Nike shoes and Prada sunglasses with low price tags can be found around every corner of almost every market in Thailand and are easily identifiable from their real counterparts. Counterfeit items are popular with locals and tourists alike, but the Department of Intellectual Property wants to make an example that selling fake brand names in Thailand is illegal. In January alone, 45,000 counterfeit items were seized nationwide.
The Royal Thai Police seized nearly 43,500 items and the Customs Department seized a further 3000 items, including handbags, shoes, garments, hats and eyewear. The police arrested 113 people in total for selling counterfeit goods.
The operation was a joint effort by the Royal Thai Police, the Customs Department, the Department of Special Investigation and Intellectual Property owners, according to the DIP’s Director-General Jittima Srithaporn.
Anyone violating trademarks registered in Thailand is liable to face imprisonment of up to four years, a fine of up to 400,000 baht, or both. Those violating unregistered trademarks can face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 6,000 baht, or both.
SOURCE: NNT
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