LAWYERS representing a Bradford-based sportswear business acted to stop a counterfeiting operation by one of its retailers.

Intellectual property specialists at law firm Clarion acted for Falcon Sportswear Limited, a designer and nationwide supplier of school sportswear, when a retailer was found to be selling counterfeit product among genuine Falcon garments.

The company became aware that a retailer, which was already selling genuine Falcon garments which had been specified by a school, was also selling counterfeit versions of the same clothes.

Clarion liaised initially with the retailer and then with its representative, resulting in the counterfeit products promptly being removed. The retailer delivered up the counterfeit stock to Falcon, paid damages and costs were also recovered.

Leo Brumfitt, Falcon Sportswear managing director, said: “Having worked hard over the last 40 years to establish a reputation for high quality garments and having built a name which is known and trusted by schools and parents throughout the country, we were not prepared for our brand to be damaged and customers misled by another company copying our products and even using our name and logo.

“We take such matters very seriously and, with Clarion’s help, we were quickly able to resolve the issue, achieving the best possible outcome.”

Leigh Martin, Clarion intellectual property partner, added: “This is a great result for Falcon. It is very important that companies are prepared to tackle such issues head on in order to protect the value of their brand and also to send out a clear message that they are willing to take action if their rights are infringed.”