Interesting Facts

You can be fined or jailed for buying fake goods in Europe. (In France, the maximum fine for buying fake goods is 300,000 euros, or three years in jail and during a crackdown in Italy in 2010, a tourist was fined 1,000 euros for buying a fake Louis Vuitton bag for seven euros.)

It is not illegal to knowingly buy counterfeit goods in the UK. (Although the UK authorities target those who trade in fake goods, the government has decided against criminalising consumers who buy them. In fact it's even funnier, seemingly hookie goods, which can mean knock off or stolen goods, can be sold legally in some parts of the UK. A medieval law allows people to buy stolen goods at some street markets throughout England. The law, which was passed in the 15th century, has been condemned as a 'thieves' charter' because it allows criminals to sell or 'fence' stolen antiques and art. Up to 20 markets, known as 'market overt' (open market) are affected by the legal loophole.)