Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she has taken with Cabinet colleagues to (a) tackle the sale of fake designer goods and (b) seize the proceeds of of such sales.

The UK has strong measures in place to address IP crime and infringement, co-ordinated by the Intellectual Property Office. It works with the Police IP Crime Unit, Trading Standards, and Regional Organised Crime Units among others to tackle the sale of fake designer goods. Wilful trade mark counterfeiting and copyright piracy on a commercial scale are criminal offences and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 provides powers to seize assets derived from such criminal activity. A recent operation between IPO, City of London Police, Trading Standards and industry representatives at Camden High Street resulted in the seizure of fake designer bracelets worth £400,000.