Secretary of State and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Seize More Than $105,000 in Bogus Goods

The counterfeit merchandise included clothing, shoes, CDs and more than 3,500 DVDs. Companies misrepresented were Air Jordan, Coach, COOGI, Motion Picture Association of America, Nike, Ralph Lauren, and  Recording Industry Association of America.

The Sheriff’s Office was successful in shutting down the eight booths at the Anderson Jockey Lot and Farmer's Market at 4530 Highway 29 North in Belton. The counterfeit items will remain in storage while the Sheriff’s Office awaits a court order to destroy them.

“The distribution of counterfeit merchandise is illegal,” said Secretary of State Mark Hammond. “And, while consumers can readily find fakes, cheap prices and availability are poor excuses for supporting illegal activity.  The Secretary of State’s Office and local law enforcement are serious when it comes to shutting down these illegal operations, weekday or weekend.”

The eight vendors could face charges of distribution of counterfeit goods, with a fine up to $20,000 and/or five years in prison or both, or be charged with illegal distribution of recordings, with a fine of $250,000 and/or five years in prison. These penalties were the result of the joint efforts of law enforcement and the Secretary of State’s Office. 

For more information regarding trademark violations or to register a mark, contact Secretary of State Mark Hammond’s office at (803) 734-2170.

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