Georgia’s Investigation Service launches prosecution for illegal use of Adidas trademark

The Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia on Tuesday said it had uncovered a case of illegal use of the trademark of the German sports apparel company Adidas and launched criminal prosecution in the country.

The body said its investigation had revealed the alleged offender had established a factory in the western Georgian region of Imereti, where illegally branded sports shoes under the Adidas trademark were being produced and distributed through hired workers.

During the investigation, a total of 100 pairs of illegally branded shoes worth ₾6,000 ($2,094), earmarked for sale, were confiscated from the factory. A “substantial quantity” of Adidas trademarks and a specialised branding stamp were also seized.

The crime is punishable with a maximum prison sentence of two years, the body added.