Deparment store TJ Hughes has been forced to pay Fred Perry damages after it was found to be selling thousands of counterfeit polo shirts.
Lewis’s Home Retail Limited, which trades as TJ Hughes, was revealed to have sold just under 2500 fake Fred Perry polo shirts across its 20 stores and through its website.
A further 755 of the fake items, which bore the iconic Laurel Wreath logo and the words Fred Perry, both registered trademarks, have been handed over to the fashion retailer.
Alongside the undisclosed amount in damages, TJ Hughes was also agreed not to sell fake garment in the future.
“The Laurel Wreath is more than a logo to us – it’s a badge of honour that has always sat over the heart of everybody who wears a Fred Perry shirt, and we will always protect it,” Fred Perry stated.
“We will not hesitate to enforce our intellectual property rights when they are infringed, and we will continue to take action against the sellers and manufacturers of counterfeit versions of our garments.
“We take pride in the quality of how all of our products are manufactured and will always take action against those who would damage our reputation and relationship with consumers by producing counterfeit goods.”
Clarke Willmott LLP senior associate Andrew Stone, who acted on behalf of Fred Perry, added: “This action against Lewis’ Home Retail Limited t/a TJ Hughes highlights Fred Perry’s unshakeable resolve to ensure that its intellectual property rights are enforced.
“This case also highlights the fact that retailers must take all necessary steps to ensure the provenance of the goods which they offer for sale.”
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