Hi
We have just opened a UK company selling specialised sports equipment. We import directly from Brazil from dealers or from the manufacturers. The stock comes from a variety of manufacturers all in Brazil.
We only have a couple of competitors in the UK and one of these has secured a couple of licenses as being 'Sole UK Supplier'. However, we have just recieved a letter from our competitor saying that they as 'Official' dealers have the sole right to sell and distribute this companies products here in the UK. They overcharge massively and they clearly know we are a threat to their massive mark-up and market domination.
They have told us to stop selling these products unless they are bought from them. We purchase these products from a Brazilian dealer who purchases them from the manufacturer.
How can we continue to sell these products? I read something about copyright law being the issue and that simply removing the official logo / trademark from the advert (other than in pictures of the products) can nulify this threat.
ANy help on what we can do to overide this would be most welcome and appreciated greatly.
BTW.... we are not trying to sell fake goods or goods which were not intended for this country as the product is universal. Also, we have a branch in Rome, is this any benefit?