Counterfeit golf websites closed down
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The world’s leading golf equipment manufacturers have pulled together to close 62 websites offering counterfeit goods to customers.
Manufacturers including Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway, Ping and Cleveland are part of The US Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group who have announced that a preliminary injunction has been issued by the Southern District Court of Florida to shut down 62 websites where counterfeit clubs were sold.
The injunction means that visitors going to many of the websites will now be redirected to information about the preliminary injunction and other legal actions against the owners of the websites, believed to be a group of 12 individuals.
The counterfeit products sold from these URLs include clubs, balls, head covers and bags. In addition to shutting down the websites, the restraining order also froze all PayPal accounts associated with them and transferred existing funds to a holding account until the legal process is complete.
“This is the latest tool in our enforcement arsenal as we continue our ongoing battle against counterfeiters,” said Joe Nauman, Executive V.P. Corporate and Legal for Acushnet Company, owners of the Titleist and FootJoy brands.
“Shutting down this many sites in one action sends an important message and the Federal Court in Florida clearly agrees. This effort potentially prevents thousands of people from being fooled into buying fake clubs. That’s what our group is all about.”
In 2009 Briton Gary Bellchambers was jailed for four years for his part in the world’s biggest ever eBay fraud where he sold more than £2m worth of counterfeit equipment.
If you are ever in doubt as to whether or not products for sale on any website are genuine, always contact the manufacturer directly before buying.
