Trademark and Rightsholders against Piracy (TRAP)
Trade mark and Rightsholders against Piracy (TRAP) is the industry trade body for the UK music, film and TV merchandising industry formed of the lead merchandise companies throughout Europe. TRAP members include all the major players in the UK including:
- Bravado International (part of Universal Music Group)
- Nylon Merchandising
- Danilo
- Global Merchandising
- Sandbag
- Pyramid
- Warner Music Group
Hamlins is the sole law firm used by TRAP, and we advise members on action related to unauthorised copying/counterfeiting of band merchandise exclusively licensed to the TRAP membership.
Hamlins coordinates both civil and criminal infringement actions on behalf of TRAP, dealing with agents and band management in relation to evidence and Trading Standards and Enforcement Agencies in relation to execution of raids.
In September 2023, we advised on a City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit co-ordinated action against counterfeiters of music merchandise and other goods. £5 million of counterfeit goods were seized.
Hamlins additionally oversees takedowns of counterfeit and infringing material. Examples of the bands/artists included in actions for either take down or enforcement have included: Queen, Kate Bush, Justin Bieber, Little Mix, Iron Maiden, ACDC, Ed Sheeran, Rhianna; and Lady Gaga. In addition to domestic enforcement and online global take down operations, Hamlins has advised TRAP in relation to actions across Europe and particularly Eastern Europe in preventing the distribution of large amounts of budget infringing music merchandise