Real-World Impact: Case Studies

• 1. Market Surveys

  For a client in the luxury goods industry, our team conducted regular market surveys throughout the UK and Ireland to identify retailers, distributors, market sellers, brick-and-mortar shops, and wholesalers offering counterfeit and lookalike products. Our investigations provided the client with ongoing intelligence on the availability and distribution of infringing goods and have contributed to a significant reduction in counterfeit and lookalike products available in the market.

• 2. Illicit Trade & Trademark Registrations

  One of the world's largest producers of a regulated product identified trademark registrations that were preventing the worldwide launch of a new flagship brand. Through site visits, internet research, and covert business approaches, our team established that the registrations were being used for a brand manufactured specifically for the illicit market. The findings enabled the client to challenge and cancel the registrations on the grounds of illegality of use, clearing a significant obstacle to the global launch.

• 3. Identifying Grey-Market Goods for Customs Seizure

  A global drinks manufacturer was aware through Mintz Group's research and trade intelligence that grey-market goods were entering the UK and affecting local revenue. Through covert approaches and test purchases, we identified the ports, vessels, and dates associated with incoming shipments, enabling the client and HMRC to intercept and seize the products.

• 4. Tracing an Unauthorized Distribution Network

  A client was aware that a competitor involved in a patent dispute was importing a regulated product into Europe without the necessary regulatory authorization. Mintz Group's research identified a subsidiary responsible for the target's international shipping and distribution, together with its major logistics hubs. Through covert business approaches, we established the precise location of the goods, enabling local authorities to seize them and providing the client with actionable intelligence in support of its enforcement strategy.

• 5. Securing Evidence of Patent Infringement

  A client suspected that a distributor was supplying a patent-infringing product into a territory where it held patent rights and intended to pursue litigation. Mintz Group, using a specially created corporate vehicle with supporting commercial infrastructure, made a covert business approach to the distributor.
  
  Investigators negotiated the purchase of a sample for testing, allowing the client to test the product and confirm that the patented element was present, and subsequently obtained a pro-forma invoice demonstrating the distributor's intent to export the infringing goods into the relevant territory. The investigation provided critical evidence in support of the client's planned litigation.