A judge's decision to fine a man $NZ20,000 ($A15,713) for importing fake rugby World Cup merchandise is a strong signal to those involved in the fake merchandise business, the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) says.
Terry Lung Chan, 31, was fined $NZ20,000 ($A15,713) and his company, CLNZ Trading Company Ltd, was also fined $NZ20,000 ($A15,713) at the Auckland District Court today.
The ministry's national enforcement unit investigation manager, Phil Day, told NZPA outside court it was the first case of its kind in New Zealand and the sentence sent a strong message.
"We're satisfied that it's a substantial fine as we want to deter other people from being involved in this type of behaviour.
"This sends out a very strong message to people who are involved or are thinking about getting involved with importing or selling items which are not licensed for any major event, such as the Rugby World Cup."
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MED, New Zealand Customs and Rugby World Cup Ltd worked together on the investigation and prosecution.
Chan, director of CLNZ Trading Company Ltd, was convicted of importing 1374 counterfeit T-shirts, intercepted by customs in December 2009. They were later destroyed.
MED lawyer Samuel Wimsett told the court Chan left for China shortly after being charged.
Judge Greg Davis was told Chan remained out of the country but the fines would be recorded against his name and would have to be paid if he returned to New Zealand.
Judge Davis said this sort of behaviour needed to be stopped.
"We need to deter those people who think any benefit can be obtained by producing fake replicas without paying for and obtaining the correct licence," he said.
The charges were the first to be laid under the Major Events Management Act 2007, under which the World Cup has been declared a major event.
