Counterfeit Apple goods were being used in repairs
A Fulham man who used counterfeit Apple parts to repair customers’ genuine products has been convicted, following an investigation by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
Faizan Haq, 44, who ran Apple Repairs in London, in Fulham Palace Road, was given a 12-month suspended prison sentence, fined £2,500 and ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work when sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday 17 May.
Mr Haq admitted five counts of being in possession of counterfeit Apple goods, which were uncovered when H&F’s Trading Standards officers raided the business in 2013, following a complaint from a member of the public.
“We are determined to ensure a level playing field for businesses in H&F. Dishonest traders get an unfair advantage and damage the reputation of our bona fide businesses,” said Cllr Wesley Harcourt H&F Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Residents’ Services.
“Counterfeit products do not go through the same safety checks as genuine articles, so can put residents’ safety at risk. As such, we will relentlessly pursue those trying to peddle fake goods on our streets.”
Mr Haq’s shop traded as a laptop repair shop that specialised in products of the US technology brand.
Among the goods found were screens, covers and chargers all with the Apple name and branding.
As part of the council’s investigation, an Apple expert was brought in to confirm the goods were counterfeit. And the National Trading Standards ‘Scambuster’ team helped with the operation.
Mr Haq’s defence counsel told the court his client would in future ensure his goods were authentic and would register as an authorised dealer.
Sentencing, Recorder Ian Peddie QC, said Mr Haq was making profit through passing off the goods as genuine, which undermined the brand’s reputation.
Mr Haq admitted the five charges and was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months for each charge. He was also ordered to pay the prosecution’s costs of £11,200.
Anyone with information about traders selling counterfeit goods should report them to our Trading Standards team on 020 8753 1081 or by email at: trading.standards@lbhf.gov.uk.
