Important information on the counterfeiting of Barnsley Football Club merchandise.
For some time now, Barnsley Football Club have been concerned that its merchandise is being counterfeited and sold in the town centre and on websites. Recently, brand protection experts Back Four Limited, acting on behalf of Barnsley Football Club, conducted an exercise in conjunction with trading standards to identify Barnsley shops selling counterfeit products and had them removed. Legal action is likely to follow.
The emblems, badges, trademarks and shirt designs used presently and in the past by Barnsley Football Club are its proprietary property, and may not be reproduced without explicit permission. This also includes novelty items such as Toby Tyke and other Club imagery.
The Club is particularly concerned that many of these counterfeit items are being produced in the Far East under circumstances where no effort is being made to protect its ongoing rights.
Fans may assume that the counterfeit products are being sold at prices less than those applicable for equivalent genuine products, but this is not the case. In most examples, the counterfeit merchandise costs more to the buyer.
The revenue derived from merchandising at Barnsley Football Club is critically important in terms of generating funds for reinvestment. For this reason, the Club will take all necessary steps to protect and enforce its rights, including taking appropriate legal action. It will seek also to trace the manufacturing origins of counterfeit items to advise the necessary authorities.
Some examples of counterfeit products on sale within our town are shown below.
- Barnsley Football Club have a proud history and a passionate fan base.
- This has made the Club a target for counterfeiting and brand abuse.
- Counterfeiters look to exploit the loyalty of our fans and the Club’s success, by producing, distributing and selling unofficial merchandise.
- There are also those who seek to gain benefit by trying to associate themselves with the goodwill and reputation established by the Club, by using our imagery to advertise their products or services.
- Working with brand protection experts Back Four Limited we have recently implemented a Club Brand Protection Strategy to deal with these issues. Back Four Limited work with and represent many other clubs in the Premier League and English Football League to protect proprietary property rights.
- We are committed to protecting the Club, our fans and our official partners from counterfeiting and brand abuse.
- Counterfeit product is usually of inferior quality and is unlikely to have passed product safety tests. In addition, those who purchase counterfeit products may be disappointed and receive limited consumer rights. We would therefore strongly suggest that our fans support the Club by purchasing official Club products.
What do we do?
The Club has established a dedicated department who work with law enforcement agencies, to take action against those involved in the trade of counterfeit Club products and those utilising our brand without authorisation.
How can our fans help?
We know we have loyal fans and would encourage you to support the Club by reporting any instances of counterfeiting or brand abuse by emailing us at brandprotection@barnsleyfc.co.uk. All information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence and shared only with trusted law enforcement colleagues.
We know our fans are always supporting us on and off the pitch and therefore we appreciate any help or assistance you can offer us regarding this matter.
