Cracking down on counterfeit goods

A Cwmbran business owner has pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit mobile phone covers.

On Tuesday 20 December 2023 the business was inspected by the council’s Trading Standards team following information received that counterfeit mobile phones were on sale. 

An inspection uncovered 190 counterfeit mobile phone cases including brands such as Apple, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Adidas.  The retail value of the equivalent genuine products was in excess of £44,000. 

On Thursday 14 March at Cwmbran Magistrates Court, Mr.Kulwinder Singh director of Trendzphone Ltd, 8a The Mall Shopping Centre, Cwmbran, pleaded guilty to 13 offences under the Tradesmark Act 1994, relating to the sale and supply of counterfeit mobile phone covers.

Mr Singh was fined £3,500, and ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £1,282.56, and a £1,400 victim surcharge amounting to a total of £6,182.56.  The court also ordered the forfeiture of the goods.   

Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for Environment said: “This case is a clear demonstration of our Trading Standards team commitment to maintaining a fair and safe trading environment in Torfaen.

“We will not hesitate to take action against those who disregard the law and sell counterfeit goods.

“We urge all businesses to comply with the law and consumers to remain vigilant. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Anyone with information about the sale of counterfeit goods, can contact the Trading Standards team on 01495 762200 or email trading.standards@torfaen.gov.uk

Anyone currently running a business in Torfaen, or is considering doing so, can contact the council’s Business Direct Team to get advice. 

The team can be contacted on 01633 648735 or by emailing businessdirect@torfaen.gov.uk