Pictured: John Whittingdale (second left) discusses the problem of fake goods at markets and car boot fairs with Patricia Lennon Real Deal Campaign Coordinator; Suse Winter Director General of the Alliance Against IP Theft and Tony Sproston, Market Division Manager at Manchester City Council.

14 December 2011 The All-Party Parliamentary Intellectual Property Group yesterday heard from markets and trading standards representatives on how to stamp out counterfeit goods, and protect consumers and legitimate businesses in the process.

At a reception at Portcullis House, Westminster, arranged by the Alliance Against IP Theft, MPs heard how the Real Deal Campaign, a cross-sector, partnership initiative is bringing together local authorities, trading standards services, market operators and traders, industry groups and copyright and trademark owners, to tackle intellectual property theft and reclaim markets from fakes.
John Whittingdale MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Intellectual Property Group, said:
“The Real Deal Campaign has been instrumental in promoting fake-free markets and raising awareness of the damage counterfeits cause, from dodgy UGG boots to dangerous fake GHD hair straighteners. Often these are sold not just by harmless Del Boys, but to finance organised criminal gangs.
“It is really encouraging to see the enthusiasm of so many people, both policymakers and market representatives, who are committed to stamping out these counterfeit goods, especially in the run-up to Christmas. We would urge every local authority to sign up to the Real Deal Charter, and help keep the tradition of the great British market alive.”
Thus far, 46 local authorities, covering 192 markets across the country, are using the Real Deal Charter, but many councils are yet to sign up. Those who have signed up have seen an increase in shoppers, as they return to a market they can trust.