A group of individuals illegally produced and sold fake anti-counterfeiting items, including security tags, certificates, wrapping tape and boxes of the Dewu – a fashion brand exchange and trading platform – without the permission of the trademark owner.

The defendants – including Lin Chaomin, Yan Guofeng and Zhou Lizhu –were arrested in January 2021 and a large amount of counterfeit items and evidence were seized.

After the trial, the defendants were found guilty of manufacturing and selling fake registered trademark logos and were handed prison sentences ranging from six months to 1-3 years, with fines and the confiscation of illegal gains and property. Some defendants were granted suspended sentences.

After the first trial, some of the defendants appealed the verdict at the Shanghai No 3 Intermediate People's Court, but the appeal was rejected and the original ruling was upheld.

The ruling is said to serve as a warning to those who engage in trademark infringement and is also said to send a message that such actions have severe legal consequences.

The case also underscores the need for consumers to be vigilant and aware of the risks of purchasing counterfeit goods.