MILES ENFORCES NASCAR TRADEMARKS

 Issues Warning to Peddlers of Fake Dale Earnhardt Merchandise

Secretary of State Jim Miles issued a warning today to "peddlers of counterfeit NASCAR merchandise" who intend to hit the Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 Race in Darlington this weekend.

While the Secretary of State's Office routinely works the Darlington races each year in their trademark enforcement efforts, Miles said the need for enforcement has increased since the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt.

"Because Dale Earnhardt was beloved by so many racing fans we now have counterfeiters from around the country coming to Darlington to capitalize on our loss by selling fake Dale Earnhardt merchandise," said Miles. "They're exploiting the Dale Earnhardt name, cheating his fans, and cheating his family."

Miles said his office was contacted earlier this week by representatives of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., asking for assistance.

"We are putting these counterfeiters on notice that ripping off NASCAR trademarks will not be tolerated in South Carolina," said Secretary Miles. "Our investigators, the Darlington Police Department, and the Darlington County Sheriff's Office will be working the area," said Miles, who added that counterfeiters and traffickers of counterfeit goods rob the public in three ways.

"First, these con men cheat the customer by selling them fake merchandise, which doesn't bear the genuine trademark or the quality of the licensed merchandise," said Miles.

"Secondly, these counterfeiters are diverting money from honest business owners who are providing good jobs to South Carolinians," Miles noted. "This hurts our textile industry, our other manufacturers, and the small businessman at the retail level."

"Of particular concern to many NASCAR fans this year is that the sale of these counterfeit Dale Earnhardt goods to those who want to honor Dale is actually defrauding his estate and defrauding the racing fan who believes he is getting a real piece of Dale Earnhardt memorabilia," said Miles.