Understanding IP Crime and How TM Eye Can Help

In an increasingly digital and globalised world, protecting intellectual property (IP) is more critical than ever. From the counterfeit goods that flood markets to the pirated digital content circulating online, IP crime is a significant threat that affects businesses and consumers alike. At TM Eye, we specialise in investigating and combating IP crime, ensuring that your brand, reputation, and customers remain protected.

What is IP Crime?

IP crime refers to any illegal activity involving the infringement of intellectual property rights. These rights include trademarks, patents, copyrights, and design rights, which protect the creations of the mind—such as inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. Common types of IP crime include:

1. Counterfeiting: The production and sale of fake goods that imitate genuine products. This includes everything from luxury handbags and electronics to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
2. Piracy: The unauthorised copying and distribution of digital content, such as music, movies, software, and video games.
3. Trademark Infringement: The use of a brand’s logo, name, or slogan without permission to mislead consumers.
4. Patent Violations: The unauthorised use of a patented invention or technology.
5. Design Theft: Copying the unique visual appearance or design of a product without consent.

IP crime is not a victimless activity. It can cause financial damage to legitimate businesses, undermine consumer confidence in brands, and, in some cases, pose serious health and safety risks—particularly when counterfeit pharmaceuticals or electronics are involved. Additionally, many counterfeit goods are linked to organised crime and exploitation, making it a complex issue that extends beyond economic harm.

How TM Eye Can Help Investigate IP Crime

At TM Eye, we have over a decade of experience in investigating and prosecuting IP crime on behalf of major brands and corporations. Our team of highly skilled investigators and former law enforcement professionals use a comprehensive approach to uncover IP crime at its source and bring offenders to justice. Here’s how we can assist you:

1. Market Surveillance and Online Monitoring

Our team conducts thorough surveillance of physical markets and online platforms to identify the sale of counterfeit goods or pirated content. This includes monitoring e-commerce websites, social media platforms, and dark web marketplaces where counterfeiters and pirates often operate. By tracking down counterfeiters and documenting their activities, we can provide the evidence necessary for legal action.

2. Covert Investigations

TM Eye specialises in covert investigations to gather intelligence on counterfeit operations. Our investigators often operate undercover, identifying supply chains, distribution networks, and the individuals or groups involved in producing and selling counterfeit goods. Our discreet approach ensures that offenders do not become aware of the investigation until sufficient evidence is collected.

3. Civil and Criminal Enforcement

Once evidence of IP crime is gathered, TM Eye can support both civil and criminal enforcement actions. We work closely with law enforcement agencies to bring criminal prosecutions against offenders and assist businesses in civil lawsuits to recover damages. Our private criminal prosecutions have resulted in numerous successful convictions.

4. Brand Protection Strategy

At TM Eye, we believe in proactive brand protection. We collaborate with businesses to develop comprehensive IP protection strategies, including brand authentication solutions and education programs for employees and consumers to recognize and report counterfeits.

5. Court-Ready Evidence

Our experienced team is meticulous in gathering and presenting evidence that stands up in court. We provide detailed reports, surveillance footage, and expert testimonies that can be used in both civil and criminal proceedings to secure convictions and compensation.

Why Choose TM Eye?

With a strong track record of successful IP crime investigations and a reputation for excellence, TM Eye is trusted by leading global brands to protect their intellectual property. We combine cutting-edge technology with expert investigative techniques to combat IP crime at every level, from local counterfeit markets to international smuggling rings.

With TM Eye you’re partnering with a team dedicated to preserving the integrity of your brand and safeguarding your intellectual property.

Contact us today 

Contact us to learn more about how TM Eye can help protect your brand from the growing threat of IP crime. Together, we can take decisive action against counterfeiters and IP violators, ensuring that your business thrives in a secure and protected marketplace.

For more information, contact us on sales@tm-eye.co.uk

Uxbridge Magistrates Court, August 6th, 2024

Today, Michael Stokes, a 36-year-old resident of West London, appeared before Uxbridge Magistrates Court, where he was charged with theft and going equipped to steal. The charges stemmed from an incident that took place on January 12th, 2024, at a well-known health food store located in Ealing Broadway. The case was brought to light thanks to the diligent work of our sister company ‘My Local Bobby’  and their Prolific Crime Teamhttps://mylocalbobby.co.uk/services/prolific-crimes-team/, which plays a critical role in tackling retail crime across London.

Incident Overview

On the afternoon of January 12th, PCT detectives Ashley and Craig were conducting routine surveillance at the Ealing Broadway health food store when they apprehended a wanted individual in connection with a separate matter. As they awaited police assistance for the detained suspect, Detective Craig observed suspicious behaviour from another male within the store—later identified as Michael Stokes.

Stokes was seen discreetly removing multiple items from the store’s display shelves and concealing them in his jacket pockets. His actions were swift, but not unnoticed. Without making any effort to pay for the goods, he attempted to leave the store, at which point Detective Craig intervened and detained him outside the premises.

Upon detention, Stokes was asked to empty his pockets, revealing the concealed items, which were later confirmed to have a total value of £331.66. Additionally, Stokes was found to be carrying a hook de-tagger, a tool commonly used by shoplifters to remove security tags from merchandise, further substantiating the charge of going equipped to steal.

TM Eye’s Role and Private Prosecution

Following the incident, the police were called to the scene to assist with Stokes’ detention. However, after confirming his identity, the police chose not to pursue further action. Undeterred, TM Eye decided to mount a private criminal prosecution against Stokes. This case highlights the crucial role TM Eye plays in supporting retailers and ensuring that justice is served, particularly in cases where public resources may be limited.

TM Eye’s private prosecution culminated in today’s court hearing, where Stokes was found guilty of both charges.

Sentencing and Financial Penalties

The Magistrates Court imposed a fine of £120 on Stokes for the offence of theft. In addition to the fine, he was also ordered to pay a £48 victim surcharge, bringing the total financial penalty to £168. Given Stokes’ current financial circumstances, the court ruled that the amount be deducted from his benefits.

The stolen items, fortunately, were recovered undamaged and returned to the store, minimising the financial loss to the business.

This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges retailers face in combating shoplifting and the significant role organisations like TM Eye and My Local Bobby play in addressing these crimes. Through their vigilant efforts and willingness to pursue private prosecutions, TM Eye ensures that offenders are held accountable, thereby contributing to safer retail environments across the UK.

Michael Stokes’ conviction today underscores the message that theft and criminal behaviour will not go unchecked, and that TM Eye remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Ms Catalina aka Diana AGACHE AKA POPOVICI, aged 34 years of Great Cambridge Road, London, EN1, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday 27th May 2023, charged with Theft Shoplifting, contrary to Section 1(1) and 7 of the Theft Act 1968. She was also charged with Going Equipped to Steal, contrary to Section 25 of the Theft Act, being in possession of a foil lined black osprey holdall.

She pleaded guilty to both matters.

Agache was sentenced to two weeks immediate imprisonment. The Magistrates stated that custody was necessary due to the seriousness of the offence and Agache’s long history of offending.

The case was brought by TM Eye as a private criminal prosecution.

Agache had originally failed to appear and had been wanted on a no bail warrant. She was arrested by police and taken to court.

TM Eye detectives from their Prolific Crimes team had originally arrested Agachi on the 16th July 2022, at Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER. She had been caught stealing one (1)Traviata black calf handbag, one (1)Traviata bottle green calf handbag, one (1) sharing selection box of chocolates and one (1) Fortnum and Mason canvas lobster bag for life, to the value of £4,244.95. She had the foil lined bag in her possession when arrested by the TM Eye detectives.

A criminal case was prepared and she was prosecuted by TM Eye.

TM Eye CEO David McKelvey said,”the court recognised that Agache is a prolific and professional ‘thief’ who steals significant and valuable items.

She was also wanted on a European Arrest warrant and will be extradited having served her sentence of imprisonment in the UK.

TM Eye’s prolific crimes team are making a real difference by ‘catching and convicting’ criminals and bringing them to Justice”.

Shoplifting is estimated to cost the UK economy £2.2 billion each year.

Another conviction for TM Eye’s investigators

On Wednesday 17th May 2023, Shaun Barlow appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court, charged with five offences, including three thefts, possession with intent to supply (Cannabis) and absconding whilst on bail. 
 
Barlow pleaded guilty and as a result, the judge issued a 12-month community order, including a 30 days RAR (Rehabilitation Activity Requirement). In the offence of Breach of the suspended sentence, a £50 Fine was issued.

On 20th March 2021, TM Eye investigators were on foot patrol in the vicinity of Bond Street underground station. 
 
Their attention was drawn to a male and female who were exchanging items from different bags. Observations were maintained on these individuals.
 
Inside the rucksack of Barlow were £311.47 worth of items from Boots Plc, which he informed had not been paid for. The rucksack also included a Marks & Spencer’s branded jacket. Barlow informed the investigators that the item worth £109 had been stolen from Marks & Spencer 122 Lewisham High St, Lewisham London SE13 6JG.

The case was brought by TM Eye as a private criminal prosecution on behalf of Boots Plc and Marks and Spencer Group Plc.

In this interview, David McKelvey to discuss the 1995 Rettondon murders, also known as the Range Rover murders or Essex Murders. David was responsible for first arresting key prosecution witness Darren Nicholls, the man who claimed to have been the getaway driver for Jack Steele and Jack Whomes, who were subsequently convicted of the murders. A gripping new three-part series called “The Essex Murders” launches on @SkyTV  Documentaries on April 15, 2023, and features David and TM Eye’s efforts to uncover the truth behind one of the most notorious multiple murders in British history.

Wanted for Failing to Appear at Uxbridge Magistrates Court today for two offences of Theft Shoplifting.

A No Bail Arrest Warrant has been issued.

1. Mandeep Kaur SANDHU, aged 28 years, born 19/05/1994. Female.
2. Gagangdeep SINGH. Date of birth: 19/11/199. Male.

Both shown to reside at Room 6, 31 Browning Avenue, Hanwell, London, W7 1EW.

Anyone with any information about their whereabouts please call police on 101, Crimestoppers 0800 555111 or to info@tm-eye.co.uk.

A woman from Manchester appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court on 14 November 2019, charged with four (4) offences of selling counterfeit goods and possessing counterfeit goods for sale contrary to Section 92 of The Trademarks Act 1994. She pleaded guilty to all matters. She was sentenced to a 12 Month Community Order with a requirement to undertake 60 Hours Unpaid Work. She was ordered to pay £500 towards the prosecution costs and an £85 victims surcharge.

The case was brought by TM Eye as a private criminal prosecution.

The convicted woman had sold fake goods from shop premises in Bury New Road in the area known as ‘Counterfeit Street’. The conviction is the latest resulting from TM Eye’s Operation Mordor.

Natalie Green of Prestwood Drive, Collier Row, Essex, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates Court on 7th November 2019, charged with six (6) offences of selling counterfeit goods and possessing counterfeit goods for sale, Contrary to Section 92 of The Trademarks Act 1994. She pleaded guilty to all matters.

She was sentenced to a 12 Month Community Order with a requirement to undertake 140 Hours Unpaid Work. The court ordered her to pay £3,676.42 towards the prosecution investigation costs. An order was made for the destruction of all goods seized throughout the operation.

The prosecution was brought by TM Eye as a private criminal prosecution on behalf of its clients MULBERRY, HUGO BOSS and another well known luxury goods brand.

Natalie Green operated an online shop selling fake goods from a wide variety of luxury goods brands and also attended car boot sales across Essex selling similar counterfeit items. She took payment via a PAYPAL account or cash at markets.

The prosecution and conviction follows a 3-month investigation by the TM Eye Illicit Luxury Goods Team supported by their Dedicated Undercover Unit and the TM Eye Surveillance Team. Green was identified selling fake goods at the Bonzer Car Boot Sale at Whalebone Lane, Essex. A series of covert test purchases were then carried out on 2nd August 2019, 4th August 2019, 18th August 2019 and the 11th September 2019. A male suspect was also evidenced selling fake goods from the stall on behalf of Green on other dates. Every test purchase was covertly filmed and formed the evidence leading to the conviction.

Green had previously been prosecuted by TM Eye for infringement of trademark offences when she was subjected to test purchases online, via her Facebook account ‘Somethink Special’. 

On 21st September 2018, she had appeared at Barkingside Magistrates Court where she was sentenced to a fine of £276.00 and required to pay a victim surcharge of £30.00, An order towards prosecution costs was made in the sum of £1000.00. (TM Eye Op 1831 refers).

Following this prosecution TM Eye were made aware that Natalie Green was continuing to sell via Facebook and at Car Boot Sales and commenced this new operation.

TM Director David McKelvey said, “Natalie Green was a prolific offender who even though convicted a year ago decided that she was above the law and would continue to commit crime. As soon as TM Eye were aware we commenced another covert operation tackle this criminality. Green is fortunate not to be going to prison today and the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime.

TM Eye have now convicted over 500 criminals in private criminal prosecutions and have a 100% conviction rate.13% of those convicted receive custodial sentences”.

Zameer Azam, who originally gave the false name Zahir ABBAS, who resides in Queens Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court today charged with four (4) offences of selling counterfeit goods and possessing counterfeit goods for sale contrary to section 92 of The Trademarks Act 1994. He pleaded guilty to all matters. He was sentenced to a 12-Month Community Order with a requirement to undertake 80 Hours Unpaid Work. He was also ordered to pay a contribution towards investigation prosecution costs of £4,000 and a £90 Victims Surcharge.

The case was brought by TM Eye as a private criminal prosecution on behalf of its client Hugo Boss.

AZAM operated a shop in Harris Street, Strangeways, Manchester in the area known as ‘Counterfeit Street’. He sold a wide variety of fake goods from luxury goods brands including; Michael Kors, Gucci, Chanel, Nike, Adidas, SuperDry and many others. No enforcement action was taken on behalf of these brands at their request.

The conviction follows Phase 8 of TM Eye’s Operation Mordor set up to tackle organised crime in and around the Strangeways area of Manchester. The area is well known for open criminality and the sale of counterfeit goods and supplies most of the UK. AZAM operated a large criminal shop with ‘spotters’ on the door and in the street. The spotters had an electronic key fob to close the steel shutter in the event of TM Eye or police activity. The investigation was undertaken by the TM Eye Illicit Luxury Goods Team supported by the Dedicated Undercover Unit and its Surveillance Team. Covert test purchases were made on 20th July 2019, 23rd July 2019 and the 30th July 2019. Each test purchase was covertly recorded on film and formed the evidence leading to the conviction.

TM Eye works closely with Greater Manchester Police to gather best evidence and has privately prosecuted over 100 criminals operating in the area over the past 3 years. Manchester City Council have secured Closure Orders and re possessions on the back of the TM Eye convictions. All those convicted have their convictions recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC) and have their fingerprints photographs and DNA taken for police indices. Every conviction is shared with the UK Border Agency and Inland Revenue. There have been recent deputations following TM Eye convictions.

TM Eye Director David McKelvey said, “Counterfeit Street is a prolific area for the sale of fake goods and causes significant damage to British and European companies, it impacts on jobs and is directly linked to Human Slavery and Trafficking. The criminal proceeds are used to support terrorism, serious and organised crime and drug offences.”

TM Eye have seen significant success in the area through working in close partnership with Greater Manchester Police and the area of crime has been reduced significantly. Clearly coming up to Christmas the crime will again increase. TM Eye will continue to ‘catch and convict’ anyone committing criminal offences that impact on our clients brands”.

TM Eye detectives, working on behalf of Japanese Tobacco International (JTI), have today served criminal summons on three Chinese nationals living in Sheffield for Conspiracy to Distribute and Supply counterfeit tobacco products and packaging contrary to Section 1 of The Criminal Law Act 1977.

The prosecution follows a substantial UK wide surveillance operation by TM Eye’s Illicit Tobacco Team and the TM Eye Surveillance Team in September and October 2019.

Four premises in Sheffield were searched on 1st October 2019, by Humberside and Yorkshire Regional Organised Crime Unit and officers from Operation Fortify (South Yorkshire Organised Crime Unit). A working tobacco factory was found that was turning raw leaf tobacco into cut tobacco for illicit Fulfillment Houses across the UK. Within the Fulfillment Houses other gang members filled counterfeit tobacco pouches with the cut tobacco. These were then sold in wholesale quantities. The revenue loss is significant.

A linked Fulfillment House in St Loys Road, Tottenham in North London was raided by the Metropolitan Police and TM Eye detectives at the same time as the Sheffield raids. A large number of fake cigarettes, counterfeit filled and empty tobacco pouches, raw tobacco and ancillary products for manufacturing and distributing counterfeit tobacco products were recovered. The loss to H.M Revenue and Customs of seized goods from this single Fulfillment House was GBP 18.8 million.

The three defendants will appear at Sheffield Magistrates Court one 17th December 2019.

TM Eye’s investigation into the criminal network continues.