This press release was sent to me by the NHL, figured it was worth sharing.

 

NHL WARNS RANGERS FANS TO BE WARY OF COUNTERFEITERS

DURING EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL

With more counterfeit merchandise during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the NHL aims to educate fans on how to identify the real thing

NEW YORK (May 18, 2015) – As New York paints their town blue and red heading into the Eastern Conference Final, fans are gearing up to support their team by purchasing Rangers playoff gear. With this in mind, the NHL is actively increasing education, awareness and enforcement efforts to help prevent Rangers fans from being victimized by purchasing unauthorized and poorly produced knock-off merchandise.

“Counterfeiters take advantage of sports fans and legitimate retailers around high-profile events like the Stanley Cup Playoffs,” said Tom Prochnow, Group Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs at NHL Enterprises, L.P. “By giving fans the information they need to avoid buying fake gear, the NHL can help protect both consumers and businesses that play by the rules from opportunists selling inferior products.”

The NHL has a comprehensive anti-counterfeiting program to help protect fans looking to purchase genuine NHL jerseys and merchandise. Most important is the NHL hologram that is affixed to all licensed NHL products. To avoid being deceived by counterfeiters, Prochnow urges hockey fans to:

  • Look for the hologram sticker or holographic hangtag and a sewn-in or screen-printed label identifying the name of the NHL licensee that has been authorized by the NHL to produce “genuine” or “official” merchandise.
  • Shop at legitimate retailers, such as the MSG Store, NHL Powered by Reebok store or Shop.NHL.com, the official online store of the NHL, rather than buying items from street vendors, flea markets, overseas websites or other questionable sources.
  • Beware of ripped tags or irregular markings on apparel.

 “Rangers fans should remember that everyone is at risk of falling victim to counterfeiters,” Prochnow said. “We want our fans to have mementos that last as long as their memories. They aren’t keepsakes if they contain typos or fall apart after one washing.”

The NHL works in conjunction with federal, state and local law enforcement officials who, throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, will enforce laws prohibiting the sale of counterfeit merchandise. According to the International Trademark Association (INTA), counterfeiting is estimated to have an impact of approximately $650 billion per year on businesses worldwide, resulting in the loss of 2.5 million jobs annually.

Last year, during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, working closely with law enforcement, the NHL was involved in the seizure of more than 4,600 pieces of counterfeit NHL merchandise with a retail value of nearly $750,000. Since 1992, the NHL – through its membership in the Coalition to Advance the Protection of Sports logos (CAPS) – has been involved in the seizure and surrender of more than 10.9 million pieces of counterfeit merchandise featuring the logos of various pro sports leagues, teams, colleges, and universities – valued at more than $410 million.

About CAPS:

The Coalition to Advance the Protection of Sports logos (CAPS) is an alliance formed by The Collegiate Licensing Company, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., NBA Properties, Inc., NFL Properties LLC, and NHL Enterprises, L.P. in 1992 to address common trademark protection and enforcement matters of its members. For more information, call 1-800-TEL-CAPS (835-2277) or visit www.capsinfo.com.

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