Evidence Collection

Counterfeiting, drop-shipping, and parallel importation present significant challenges for brand owners in both online and traditional retail platforms. We assist by:

• Conducting Test Purchases: Verifying the authenticity of products and identifying sellers and suppliers.

• Adhering to Evidentiary Rules: Ensuring the integrity of evidence for criminal prosecutions.

On-Site Inspections

If you suspect a breach of contract or trade mark infringement, our services include:

• Site Visits: Conducting thorough inspections with a detailed understanding of trade mark laws in Australia.

• Documentation: Recording the use of marks, colours, and store layouts and gathering information from on-site staff.

Use/Non-Use Investigations

Before proceeding with trade mark applications or opposing registrations, we provide:

• Evidence and Insights: Conducting thorough investigations into the use or non-use of trade marks across all goods and services classes.

• Pretext Inquiries: Ensuring comprehensive investigation and reliable evidence.

Surveillance

RS is a government licensed independent investigation agency providing specialised surveillance services. From small-scale site visits to complex multifaceted investigations, RS will work with you to develop a comprehensive and strategic plan to achieve your investigation objectives.  Our team of field operatives excel in surveillance operations, using advanced technology and adhering to legal mandates.

We can conduct surveillance to assist with a range of situations, including:

• Strategic Surveillance: Tailoring operations to uncover critical insights into individuals and organisations.

• Comprehensive Investigations: From small-scale to extensive operations, ensuring precise and effective results.

• Personal injury claims (e.g. if the client believes the Subject may be exaggerating their injury symptoms and restrictions);

• Breach of employment or franchise agreements;

• Monitoring an individual or organisation’s conduct;

• Verify place of residence or employment;

• Undercover operations.

• RS can also undertake multi-faceted investigations, employing various investigative methodologies. We can undertake surveillance as a single service, or in conjunction with a factual investigation to gather all available evidence. Our clients can therefore benefit from using a single source provider for all investigative requirements.

Due Diligence

Due Diligence Services for Integrity & Reputation Management

We provide thorough due diligence services to help protect your business's integrity and reputation, including:

• Background Screening: In-depth background checks and comprehensive due diligence inquiries to ensure your business partners and stakeholders are trustworthy.

• Tailored Due Diligence Approaches: Customised data collection and analysis designed to meet your specific due diligence requirements, ensuring precision and accuracy.

Brand Protection Services: Safeguard Your Business’ Reputation

Focus on growing your core business while we handle your brand protection needs with the following services:

• Market Watch: We actively monitor counterfeit goods across Australia and New Zealand, supporting border protection initiatives and assisting in criminal prosecutions.

• Cease and Desist Letters: Professional drafting and management of cease and desist letters to address brand infringements, and document repeat violations from offenders.

• Border Protection Liaison: We register your brand with local authorities and enforcement agencies to intercept counterfeit goods, ensuring market-level infringement is minimised.

• Police Action for Intellectual Property Crimes: We assist in navigating intellectual property crime, preparing briefs for law enforcement, and providing ongoing support for operations targeting counterfeit activity.

RS only retains investigators who are licensed by the Australian government in relevant jurisdictions, meaning all investigators have been screened for probity and criminal history.

IDS Group is a member of the Institute of Mercantile Agents, World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.) and the Council of International Investigators (CII).