Saebit Market Counterfeit Goods Investigation Task Force Conducts Third Joint Raid at Dongdaemun Saebit Market
Four Agencies Including the Korean Intellectual Property Office and the Seoul Metropolitan Government Focus Investigation Efforts on Areas with Frequent Illegal Activities
The Saebit Market Counterfeit Goods Investigation Task Force (hereinafter referred to as the Investigation Task Force) comprised of the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) the Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul Jung-gu Office and the Seoul Jungbu Police Station conducted the third joint raid at Dongdaemuns Saebit Market on July 12 2024*. During the raid 102 counterfeit items bearing well-known trademarks were seized from five yellow tents and Mr. A (male 56) was booked without detention for violating trademark laws.
The first joint raid took place on March 16 2024 and the second on May 25 2024.
The third joint raid involved 35 investigators from the task force who entered Saebit Market simultaneously around 10 PM. The task force apprehended one counterfeit goods vendor for trademark violations and seized 102 counterfeit items including clothing and bags from 18 well-known brands such as G C and L. Additionally 14 yellow tents selling goods without the required permits* were dismantled.
Only street vendors with road occupancy permits from the Seoul Jung-gu Office are allowed to operate in Saebit Market. Permits can be revoked if a vendor is convicted of trademark infringement resulting in a fine or higher penalties.
At the raid site numerous yellow tents were found selling counterfeit goods without displaying the road occupancy permit. It is believed that these vendors refrained from displaying the permits to avoid permit checks and potential cancellations during counterfeit goods raids.
The Investigation Task Force plans to continue its crackdown on counterfeit goods and the removal of tents without permits in cooperation with the Seoul Jung-gu Office. The task force will also work with the Seoul Jungbu Police Station to take a firm stance against vendors who illegally obstruct legitimate enforcement actions.
Park Joo-yeon Head of the Trademark Special Judicial Police at KIPO stated We will intensify our investigation efforts in areas where illegal activities such as the persistent sale of counterfeit goods and resistance to tent removal are prominent and continue with robust enforcement actions.
For the eradication of counterfeit goods sales consumer awareness and self-restraint in purchasing counterfeit items are essential. We will work to inform consumers about the illegality and harm of counterfeit goods distribution to promote better understanding and cooperation Park added.
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