Counterfeit Sports Goods Prosecutions
1. Adidas India vs. Local Counterfeiters (2015)
Facts:
Adidas, a global sportswear brand, found that several shops in Delhi and Mumbai were selling counterfeit Adidas shoes, jerseys, and sports accessories. These goods imitated Adidas logos, packaging, and designs almost perfectly.
Legal Action:
Adidas filed a civil suit under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and requested criminal action under Section 102/103 of the Trade Marks Act (offence of selling goods under a counterfeit mark).
Outcome:
The court granted interim injunctions against the counterfeit sellers.
Police action was taken against major stockists, leading to seizure of over 10,000 counterfeit shoes.
Offenders were convicted under IPC Section 482 (selling goods as genuine when they are counterfeit).
Significance:
This case set a precedent for aggressive enforcement against counterfeit sports goods in India, especially for multinational brands.
2. Puma Sports Counterfeit Crackdown (2017)
Facts:
Puma discovered counterfeit Puma shoes and footballs being sold online and in local markets in Bengaluru and Chennai.
Legal Action:
Puma’s legal team collaborated with local authorities to conduct raids under Section 103 of the Trade Marks Act.
Outcome:
Approximately 15,000 fake shoes and balls were seized.
Sellers were prosecuted and fined under IPC Sections 420 (cheating) and 468 (forgery).
Courts emphasized that even online sales of counterfeit sports goods constitute a criminal offense.
Significance:
Highlighted the online threat of counterfeit sports goods, encouraging brands to monitor e-commerce platforms.
3. Reebok vs. Counterfeit Sportswear Dealers (2018)
Facts:
Reebok found a network distributing fake Reebok jerseys, shorts, and sneakers in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Legal Action:
Reebok filed a civil suit and criminal complaint under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, supported by local police raids.
Outcome:
20,000 items were seized.
Key offenders were arrested and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment and fines.
Courts ruled that brand imitation for profit qualifies as criminal trademark infringement, not just civil liability.
Significance:
Reinforced that large-scale counterfeiting networks face both criminal and civil consequences.
4. Nike Counterfeit Goods Seizure in Delhi (2019)
Facts:
Nike identified counterfeit shoes and sportswear sold in Delhi markets like Sadar Bazaar and local online platforms.
Legal Action:
A police raid was conducted under the Trade Marks Act and Customs Act (imported counterfeit goods were also involved).
Outcome:
Over 25,000 counterfeit products were seized.
Shop owners and distributors were booked under IPC 420, 468, 471, and Sections 102-103 of Trade Marks Act.
Some distributors received imprisonment of 1 year and hefty fines.
Significance:
Showed that counterfeit sports goods are treated seriously even when sold at a small scale, due to consumer safety and brand integrity concerns.
5. Decathlon Counterfeit Equipment Case (2020)
Facts:
Decathlon discovered fake sports equipment like dumbbells, footballs, and yoga mats being sold online in Mumbai and Pune. These items copied Decathlon’s logos and packaging.
Legal Action:
Decathlon filed complaints under IPC Sections 420, 468, and 471, and civil actions under the Trade Marks Act.
Outcome:
Courts allowed seizure of counterfeit stock.
Sellers faced criminal prosecution, with some sentenced to 6–12 months imprisonment.
Online marketplaces were instructed to remove listings of counterfeit sports goods immediately.
Significance:
Highlighted that counterfeit sports goods can also be a public safety hazard, especially for fitness equipment.
Key Legal Points in Counterfeit Sports Goods Cases
Trade Marks Act, 1999 – Sections 102-103: Selling goods under a counterfeit mark is a criminal offense.
IPC 420, 468, 471 – Cheating, forgery, and selling counterfeit goods.
Civil remedies – Injunctions, damages, and account of profits.
Seizure and police action – Essential for large-scale counterfeit operations.
Online enforcement – Increasingly important due to e-commerce platforms.
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