A further three years of funding for a police initiative tackling intellectual property crime has been welcomed by the Independent Garage Association (IGA).
Continued funding for the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) has been announced by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
The IGA said that it believed the IPO’s continuing support for this work was vital in disrupting networks of criminals supplying counterfeit goods, and protecting legitimate businesses in the automotive industry.
The IGA said that fake and unverified parts was a growing concern for independent garages, with these components presenting a serious safety risk. It said it had worked with the IPO over many years to highlight the issue of counterfeit parts and the dangers they pose to garages and consumers, and would continue this work while encouraging motorists to use trusted garages and high-quality, traceable components.
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Counterfeit parts pose ‘genuine risk’
Jonathan Douglass, director of the IGA, said: “We welcome IPO’s continued commitment to supporting the PIPCU and the crucial work it undertakes.
“Counterfeit and unapproved vehicle parts pose a genuine risk to motorists and create challenges for independent garages that are prioritising safety and quality.
“The IPO’s leadership in tackling intellectual property crime and supporting enforcement activity is essential in protecting consumers and legitimate businesses. It also helps address the growing issue of customer-supplied parts, which too often originate from unknown sources.”
Adam Williams, chief executive of the IPO, said: “Our partnership with PIPCU has been central to the UK’s success in combating intellectual property crime.
“This continued funding ensures that vital work can continue – protecting businesses, the public, and the integrity of our IP system.”
Williams added that the IPO would be reaching out to industry partners in the coming months to explore adding to its work with a public-private funding model.