Police action halts online infringement

Simon Chapman of Lewis Silkin shows how infringement on the internet shapes the actions rights owners can take

While trademark proprietors have long battled to deal with the threat of unauthorised use of their marks, including in respect of counterfeit products and grey imports, at least the rules of engagement were relatively settled and straightforward. The internet changed that, and it led to a number of problems, including: identifying where and when the wrongdoing had taken place; what the relevant jurisdiction is; how to gather evidence; and the greater anonymity of wrongdoers – all of which rights owners have had to grapple with. Recent action taken by the Metropolitan Police’s Central e-Crime unit (PCeU) may have helped redress the balance.