PIPCU suspends 2,500 counterfeit websites in eight months

The UK’s IP police team has suspended more than 2,000 websites selling counterfeit goods since its launch eight months ago, the organisation says.

Websites offering fake Abercrombie, Hollister and Jack Wills clothing as well as various Gucci items and Thomas Sabo jewellery were among 2,500 suspended since September last year.

The websites were targeted as part of the Police IP Crime Unit’s (PIPCU) Operation Ashiko, which has seen it work in collaboration with brands and domain name registries including the .uk registry Nominet.

Currently being funded by the UK Intellectual Property Office, PIPCU launched in September last year.

The police team’s head, Andy Fyfe, said the suspensions were “further evidence” of its commitment to clamp down on IP crime.

Fyfe added: “Behind many of these websites lies an organised crime gang funnelling off the money spent by unsuspecting customers on what they think are quality products.”

Daniela Süss, brand protection manager at Thomas Sabo, said it was “excited” about the work PIPCU is doing in the UK.

“This initiative sets a massive strike against fraudulent sellers and ensures consumer protection as well as protection of the UK economy itself,” Süss added.

PIPCU’s funding is due to expire in 2015 but, earlier this month, TBO reported that Mike Weatherley, a member of the UK government and an IP adviser to Prime Minister David Cameron, had called for it to be made permanent.

The unit has previously carried out raids that resulted in several arrests for copyright infringement and selling counterfeit goods.

Last week, it also forced the closure of a popular sports torrent website, Sports Torrent Network.

The latest announcement was made to tie in with World IP Day, which took place on April 26. 

This story was first published on WIPR on April 28.