At the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, ARAE – Regional Authority for Economic Activities is investigating a suspected counterfeiting, imitation and illegal use of a trademark claim.
According to a statement from the Regional Secretariat for the Economy, the investigation follows several home and non-home search warrants issued by the Judicial Authorities, carried out by ARAE on the 17th of November.
As part of the action, an inquiry was launched, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office called on the ARAE, the authority under the Regional Secretariat for Economy. The case involves suspected crimes of counterfeiting, imitation, and the illegal use of trademarks, as well as the sale and concealment of products, in line with Articles 320 and 321 of the Industrial Property Code.
The action carried out by the Regional Authority for Economic Activities involved collaboration with the Public Security Police, which ensured the security of the entire operation. It involved three brigades, comprising a total of 12 inspectors.
Suspect goods include: various jewellery items, soft toys, football shirts, bags and purses, watches, backpacks, belts, sunglasses, among others,” said Regional Inspector Sónia Menezes. “In total, about 230 items were seized, worth approximately 3,300 euros.” In addition, computer equipment was seized to further confirm that the products are counterfeit.
The referenced products were for sale online, with advertising through social networks, referencing “a certain brand, indicating that the products were, in fact, counterfeit.”
The ARAE warns that counterfeiting these kinds of products seriously harms the economy and can lead to unemployment, illegal labour, damage to businesses, and other negative effects. “Consumers should seek out legitimate products and avoid supporting fraudulent practices by unscrupulous operators,” advises the Regional Inspector of the Regional Authority for Economic Activities.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
