A UK woman who sold more than 5,000 counterfeit mobile phone cases on eBay has pleaded guilty to infringing the trade mark of fashion label Cath Kidston.
Ms Gemma Grainger-Peach, Somerset, found herself facing a legal battle after a complaint was brought forward by the trade mark holder.
A Trading Standards investigation and a search of her property revealed that the eBay regular had sold as many as 5,165 counterfeit mobile phone cases online – all of which had infringed Cath Kidston’s trade mark.
At Taunton Crown Court, Judge David Ticehurst made a confiscation order for £20,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Ms Grainger-Peach was told that she would face an eight month prison sentence if she failed to pay the money within three months.
Commenting on the case, David Hall, Somerset County Council Deputy Leader, said: “This case shows that, where appropriate, our Trading Standards officers will take action by bringing offenders before the courts and, when possible, will ensure any proceeds from the crime are confiscated.
“Counterfeiting is illegal and takes custom away from legitimate businesses as well as putting substandard and shoddy goods into circulation.
“The internet should not be used as a medium for this activity and the sale of counterfeit goods will not be tolerated,” he added.