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A HIGH COURT judge has warned importers to exercise due diligence when purchasing purported high-end merchandise for resale on the local market.

Justice Frank Seepersad issued the caution after US sportswear giants Nike Innovate CV and Puma SE succeeded in their claim against a local clothing business over thousands of seized counterfeit Nike, Air Jordan, and Puma slippers and sneakers.

At the start of what should have been the trial of Nike’s claim against DB Funstyles Clothing Ltd on September 8, the latter accepted liability. The counterfeit merchandise will now be destroyed.