Rider takes on fakes

City firm Rooks Rider has claimed an edge over its rivals in cross-border counterfeiting work after being selected as the sole UK representative on a bureau established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

The prestigious international counterfeiting intelligence bureau, established just two months ago, already has member law firms in 57 countries.

It aims to provide a network for advising clients across the globe, giving a point of contact for member firms when faced with complicated local jurisdictional issues, international legal development information, and intelligence on the global movements of counterfeit cargoes.Rooks Rider intellectual property partner Scott Farnsworth will head a seven-strong team at the firm dealing with cases on counterfeiting.

The ICC said counterfeit products account for 5-7% of world trade.

Counterfeiting has destroyed an estimated 120,000 jobs in the US and 100,000 in Europe each year over the past ten years, it said.

Mr Farnsworth said the development would give his firm the edge in counterfeit cases because it would have the capability to liaise with government departments worldwide on specific matters.

He said: 'We have already had a few enquiries, and Italian and South African firms have indicated that they wish to refer cases to us.'

Jeremy Fleming