| Counterfeit Charges Approved |
After an exhaustive investigation, charges have been approved against the owners of a Park Royal store who are alleged to have knowingly passed off fraudulent clothing as legitimate merchandise.
The West Vancouver Police Department is pleased that charges have been approved following a detailed investigation into a Park Royal store. Complaints laid by a clothing manufacturer from outside of the country concluded with the West Vancouver Police Department executing a search warrant in the North Mall of Park Royal at the Expressions Styleware clothing store. It is alleged that the owners, Michael PHEN and Michelle Luo PHEN of West Vancouver, committed numerous criminal code and copyright offences when they passed off fake goods as the real thing.
Thirteen counts have been approved for trial. 5 Copyright Act charges (section 42(1)(b) of the Copyright Act) as well as 8 Criminal Code charges for Passing Off (section 412 of the Criminal Code).
The companies, who have provided statements include:
There will be a first appearance at the North Vancouver Provincial Court on August 27th 2008.
It is believed to be the first prosecution of its kind in West Vancouver for these offences.
In the event of either a conviction or acquittal, it is likely that the clothing will be destroyed.
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