A shop in Pontypridd has been fined for selling counterfeit clothing after a trading standards investigation. Waris Ali of Blizz Clothing Limited, trading as Blizz on Taff Street, was found guilty of breaching the Trade Marks Act 1994.
Investigation and Seizure
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s trading standards team acted on a complaint from a member of the public. They seized several branded clothing items from the premises. Representatives from White Fox confirmed the items infringed their registered trademark.
Penalties Imposed
The court ordered Blizz Clothing Ltd to pay a £1,800 fine, a £720 victim surcharge, and £800 in council costs. The counterfeit goods were forfeited and destroyed.
Warning from Council
Councillor Bob Harris, cabinet member for communities, said: “This should be a major deterrent. If it sounds too cheap to be true, it’s probably a fake. Our trading standards team works hard to tackle counterfeit sales. Counterfeiters cash in on trends and prioritize profit over safety. These products are often poor quality and dangerous.”
He urged residents to buy from reputable sellers, adding: “Purchasing counterfeit goods supports illegal traders and undermines legitimate businesses. Enforcement is a last resort, but we will take action against those selling fake or unsafe items.”
Reporting Concerns
Residents can report concerns by calling the Citizens Advice consumer helpline at 0808 123 1133 or emailing tradingstandards@rctcbc.gov.uk.
