It is well known that infringement of copyright can lead to the owner of the copyright suing the infringer for damages to make good any losses they have suffered. It is less well known that in some cases 
infringement of intellectual property rights can lead to a criminal prosecution.
infringement of intellectual property rights can lead to a criminal prosecution.
In 2009, 563 people were prosecuted successfully for violation of copyright. The majority of these prosecutions related to counterfeiting of goods such as designer goods, tobacco products, DVDs, car parts and aircraft parts. Cases have even been found of fake drugs being supplied for victims of cancer.
Cash forfeitures under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in cases related to IP crime totalled more than £21 million in 2010/11.
If you are concerned about the safety or the misuse of your intellectual property, contact us for advice.