DVD pirate prosecuted by Rhondda Cynon Taff trading standards

A Maerdy man who illegally copied and distributed “pirate” DVDs has been prosecuted and fined – and had all items seized from his home forfeited and destroyed.

The successful case brought by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Trading Standards once again highlights the proactive and robust response being taken to illegal activity that is presenting a risk to the legal film and music industry and also consumers.

The defendant was charged with five specimen offences following the execution of a search warrant at his home in December 2010, during which hundreds of cds and dvds, as well as computer and printing equipment and numerous pieces of paper with people’s names and film titles upon them were seized by officers.

Following investigations and interviews, the man was charged with five offences under the  Trade Marks Act 1994, which he pleaded not guilty to when he appeared at Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court  on January the 12th 2012.

The court heard how officers found the man had in his possession, and was distributing, goods which were not authentic, but bore a sign identical to, or likely to be mistaken for, an official registered trade mark.

He told the court he copied the films for his close friends and family, doing it because he wanted to do them a favour.

He was found guilty of all five charges and fined a total of £200 and ordered to pay £200 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

David Jones, Head of Community Protection at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “This is the latest in a series of successful prosecutions brought by our Trading Standards department, who work effectively across the County Borough to protect consumers and the wider, legal and responsible music and film industry.

“We know the illegal copying and distribution of films and music continues to be a problem. This is proved by the number of items continuing to be seized and the robust action being taken against individuals as a result.

“I hope this case and the others that have preceded it make it clear we are aware of what is going on and are taking very real action to deal with offenders, which is not only costing them money in fines and costs, but also leading to the destruction of their equipment and illegal stock.”