Hull KR report illegal activity and counterfeit issues

Hull KR have appointed Backfour Brand Protection agency to oversee its brand protection from counterfeiting and abuse.

Back Four was created in 2011, and with more than 35 years combined industry experience, protects some of the most recognised sports and fashion brands in the world.

The agency will work to identify and remove any club intellectual property breaches and work with relevant law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders.

Following the launch of Rovers’ new crest, an increased number of counterfeit items have appeared online. Not only do unauthorised sellers produce inferior quality goods but often they can be linked to other illegal activities such as identity theft.

Chief Executive Paul Lakin has explained the move to further protect the club’s image.

“We take the protection of our crest very seriously and will pursue all those who use the new branding without our authorisation relentlessly. Unauthorised merchandise directly steals money directly from the club in terms of impacting our retail sales. Equally, the product tends to be inferior quality, and does not reflect how we want to portray ourselves. We know our supporters will want to support the club so we can continue our progress and will help us stamp out this issue.”