$8M [8 million] In Counterfeit Goods Seized From Santee Alley

(CBS) ^ | Nov 30, 2007 7:04 pm US/Pacific Digg | Facebook | E-mail Close WindowE-mail This Page$8M In Counte

[BenLurkin]

LOS ANGELES (CBS) ― Authorities seized thousands of counterfeit movie DVDs, music CDs and other merchandise -- collectively valued at more than $8 million -- in a raid on vendors on Santee Alley near downtown Los Angeles, city officials said Friday.

The raid, conducted Thursday by the Los Angeles Anti-Piracy Task Force, netted more than 25,000 counterfeit DVDs and CDs and 50,000 purses, watches, T-shirts and perfumes.

"People who make counterfeit DVDs, CDs and apparel are stealing, plain and simple. It's the same as picking someone's pocket or shoplifting," said Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, chair of the task force.

"Every dollar lost to piracy represents wages lost for the hardworking families that make the Los Angeles entertainment industry a major economic engine. When the public buys stolen goods, it's not just the big stars that are affected. It is the people behind the scenes and small clothing stores and hometown theaters."

Twenty-six people were arrested and nine others detained as a result of the raid. "Operation Knockout" was the first major enforcement action by the Los Angeles Anti-Piracy Task Force, which was formed in February.

Santee Alley -- located between Santee Street and Maple Avenue -- is popular area for bargain-hunting shoppers.

[LtKerst]

And where are these Phony goods comming from?????

Did You say...CHINA????

[BenLurkin]

And being sold by illegal aliens.

[razorback-bert]

This must have taken months of undercover work.

[babygene]

“People who make counterfeit DVDs, CDs and apparel are stealing, plain and simple.”

I don’t agree with this. I don’t believe it even hurts the owner of the intellectual property that much. If somebody buys a knockoff that would never be a customer for a legitimate item anyway, no harm is really done.

It would be different if a jewelry store was selling fake Rolex watches for $10,000. But a customer for a $100 Rolex is NEVER going to buy a real one.

How much has the sale of cubic zirconium “diamonds” effected the sale of the real thing? People who want and can afford the real thing still buy the real thing... It’s that simple.

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

Dude, the O-ring of your logic capsule can’t possibly be as blown as indicated by your post, can it? Unbelievable.

[KeepUSfree]

I disagree.

On CD's & DVD's the "pirated" ones are about $5.00 or 30%-40% cheaper. The main thing is that they tend to be out BEFORE the "official release". So, MANY of the folks who buy them would buy the original when it came out if they didn't already have the pirated one.

And, on the watches. Sure, they might not ever buy a "real" rolex. But, they probably WOULD buy another "legitimate" $100 watch - from a legitimate watch vendor - who spent ALOT of money on trademarks and patents....and deserves the fruits of their time and investment.

[Bobalu]

I must disagree with you here.

Selling counterfeit goods for profit is stealing and should always be illegal.

Sharing copyrighted material online for no profit however should never be illegal.

The copyright holder should always be the only one allowed to profit monetarily from his work.

The internet and digital media have created a world where sharing of copyrighted materials will happen...it’s a new world and everyone must adjust to it. Sales of copyrighted goods can still bring large profits because of the convenience of buying packaged movies, music and printed materials that are priced right will always be popular.

[BunnySlippers]

It would be different if a jewelry store was selling fake Rolex watches for $10,000. But a customer for a $100 Rolex is NEVER going to buy a real one.

But someone buying a DVD or CD may buy the real thing. AND they totally ripped of all the costs of making and marketing the movie which are enormous!

Same with watches and handbags. I bought a great rip off Prada handbag from a guy in a van. Yes, I do buy high end handbags. Everyone thinks it's real nd I get compliments all the time. But Prada ... or compsnies like Rolex design the merchandise and build the brand.

Without their buyilding the brand the name Rolex or Prada would mean nothing to the consumer. It's a huge rip off!

[CGTRWK]

8 million dollars in 75,000 items is over $100 per item.

Bootleg CDs and knockoff t-shirts and watches are worth $100 a piece? Please.

[Salvey]

This must have taken months of undercover work.

I take it you're kidding. A five-minute walk through Santee Alley is all it takes to figure things out.

[MaxMax]

I bought a great rip off Prada handbag from a guy in a van.

What purse? I have no idea what you're talking about occifer, I swear