Streetwear brand calls on major Royal Shows to block counterfeit vendors

A family-owned Australian streetwear brand has called on the Royal Agricultural Societies across Australia - including the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the Melbourne Royal Show - to block stallholders selling counterfeit products operating at their events.

As reported by advertising industry website Mumbrella, Geedup Clothing - founded by Jake Paco in 2010 - has claimed that despite contacting show organisers about the issue, vendors of counterfeit street and sporting apparel have continued to operate at their events and sell “knock-off versions” of their products.

Trevene Patrick, Geedup’s Global General Manager, told Mumbrella “Geedup is an Australian brand born in Western Sydney that has worked tirelessly to build a global following.

“To see counterfeit products being sold at such iconic Australian events is extremely disappointing.”

Geedup claimed that the company notified the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RASNSW) through their legal team this year of fake products at thos year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show, and provided “detailed information” about the vendors.

However, the company said it did not receive any response.

Patrick noted “our customers have been deeply upset after seeing counterfeit versions of our clothing being sold at the shows. Some have even confronted the vendors in person, but still, nothing is done to remove these vendors.

“It’s disheartening, especially when our customers are seeing inferior products with our brand name attached to them. I feel sorry for the customers and young kids at these festivals that have been deceived.

“The state agricultural societies are supposed to support Australian businesses like ours, but instead, they are allowing vendors selling poorly produced counterfeits to take centre stage.

“This isn’t just about our brand - it’s about protecting consumers and the legacy of Australia’s most iconic events.”

Victor Ng of Cooper Mills Lawyers, told Mumbrella “the presence of counterfeit vendors at these shows not only damages legitimate brands but also undermines consumer trust. It’s essential for the organisers to take immediate action to uphold the integrity of these iconic Australian events.”

In a statement to Mumbrella, the RAS conceded that that despite its best efforts, some counterfeit products do “slip through the cracks”.

Its statement noted “as one of Australia’s largest events, the RAS strives to deliver a world-class agricultural event that celebrates all we know and love about rural Australia. Unfortunately, due to the scale of the event, on occasion, counterfeit products do slip through the cracks and our team work hard to monitor and shut this down, as it is both a violation of the law and our RAS exhibitor contracts.

“Allegations of counterfeit goods take time to investigate and, may not be able to be actioned within the 12-days of show.

“As an organisation that values supporting local and small businesses it is a top priority for us to stop and remove counterfeit products from our event to ensure we are delivering the authentic experience our Showgoers know and love.”

A Melbourne Royal spokesperson told Mumbrella “Melbourne Royal Show works independently from all other state Shows when contracting vendors, who are subject to an agreement that stipulates all counterfeit products are strictly prohibited.

“The Melbourne Royal Show is committed to upholding its policies and ensuring that the quality of product and safety of all patrons and stakeholders is maintained.”