Tens of thousands of knock-off dolls are currently being destroyed at PMS’ Essex headquarters. 

An artist’s representation of the knock-off doll seizure.

PMS International, the UK company behind the successful Elves Behavin’ Badly brand, has announced that it has successfully removed a significant number of counterfeits of its elf doll from the market.

The company had become aware that inferior knock-off copies of its Elfie doll were being imported from China and distributed to retailers throughout the UK, infringing Community Registered Designs. PMS immediately engaged its in-house and external legal teams, which sent out cease and desist letters. Ultimately, the company has successfully removed all of the counterfeit items from the market, and has secured a significant sum in damages from those responsible.

PMS has invested heavily in the creation of Elves Behavin’ Badly, and has protected the property with a portfolio of registered international designs and trademarks which are consistently enforced. PMS has a dedicated in-house team to manage its IP rights, and also employs external IP lawyers, trade mark and design attorneys to help maintain its IP strategy. The company also uses online monitoring and works closely with the customs authorities to take advantage of the recordal process, swiftly detaining and seizing infringing goods at Ports of Entry.

Paul Beverley, MD of PMS, said: “This is the second UK seizure we have made this year. We have been made aware of other copies in Glasgow, Birmingham and London. It is only a matter of time before our enquiry agents track these down. We will be relentless in recovering every piece of counterfeit stock and seeking maximum compensation. Where our brand name or trademarks have been copied we will also initiate criminal proceedings for handling counterfeit products.”