IPO campaign highlights dangers of counterfeit vehicle parts

The ‘Fake Always Breaks’ campaign highlights that counterfeits are more likely to fail and endanger road users, putting lives at risk.

A survey conducted for the IPO revealed that one in six motorists had bought a counterfeit part in the past 12 months alone.

Safety-critical items such as tyres, wheels, airbags and brakes were among the most commonly-purchased fake items.

City of London Police said officers recently seized 500 counterfeit car airbags during an operation in East London.

Miles Rees, IPO deputy director of enforcement, said: “This is a serious campaign with a very serious message.  We want to raise awareness that the trade in counterfeit vehicle parts not only harms legitimate traders while enriching criminals, but can also lead to life-changing or life-ending consequences for road users.

“Working with our partners, we’re highlighting that such illicit goods are not subject to safety tests, and are likely to be made using vastly inferior materials.  This puts them at increased risk of failure, with potentially devastating results.

“Our ‘Fake Always Breaks’ campaign seeks to arm motorists and the vehicle repair and servicing industries with the awareness they need to help spot a fake, avoid the risks and report sellers.

“It reinforces a clear message that – as with all counterfeiting and piracy – this is anything but a victimless crime.”

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit at City of London Police, said: “Counterfeiting safety-critical car components like tyres, wheels, airbags and brakes demonstrates the lengths that criminals will go to make money and their disregard for the safety of the people who will end up using these products.

“Our officers recently seized 500 counterfeit car airbags, which could have put motorists at risk, during an operation in East London. Fake airbags aren’t manufactured to industry standards, so there’s a real possibility that they won’t inflate during a road traffic collision, or will deploy in error.

“We know that the offer of a good deal can be enticing, but it’s vital to know how to spot the signs of a counterfeit car part and to buy from a reputable seller.

“The campaign builds on previous consumer campaign activities undertaken by the IPO since the publication of its ambitious five-year counter-infringement strategy, as the office continues to deliver on its commitments to raise public understanding, and ultimately respect, for IP rights.”