Counterfeit products were seized from three vendors at the Summer Night Market on Vulcan Way early last month.

Toronto lawyer Lorne Lipkus said that even as the seizures of fake brand-name goods occurred, other people operating booths suddenly began packing up their merchandise and "took off."

But a couple of weeks after the June 6 enforcement, Richmond Mounties conducted a follow-up visit to the popular waterfront market and seized more merchandise, Lipkus said.

The Lower Mainland's reputation as a counterfeit capital hasn't changed much over the years, Lipkus said.

The seized merchandise included Ed Hardy, Christian Audigier, True Religion, Affliction and Harley Davidson brand-named purses, T-shirts, apparel, caps, tracksuits, jackets, jeans, scarfs, bracelets and other jewelry and cellular phone accessories.

As a result of last month's enforcement, a large number of investigations ensued, including some that could result in enforcement including lawsuits at several locations in Richmond, Lipkus said.

Some of the nabbed vendors were able to provide receipts for their merchandise, and some genuinely thought their products were the real deal.

But these duped vendors lost all of their product—costing them hundreds of dollars or more—which was seized by investigators.

Lipkus said it's up to vendors to scrutinize their suppliers and ensure that they are authorized sellers and that the goods are genuine.

Many firms explain on their website how to distinguish whether a product is authentic.

Summer Night Market spokesperson Paul Cheung said he's had to turn away 50 vendors who were seeking to sell counterfeit goods.

"We have chosen to lose money by leaving our stalls empty rather than allowing these people from coming to our event. We have re-invented the market by inviting legitimate customers who bring with them cultural products and new inventions that makes this market fresh and interesting to the visitors."

Cheung said he's hired two ambassadors who patrol the market nightly, watching out specifically for counterfeit merchandise.

"However, it is always a challenge with knock-offs because they are getting very close to perfection and to have full knowledge of all patents and trademarks is difficult for even the professionals," he said via e-mail.

RCMP Const. Edwin Kwok, of the economic and computer crime section, said no charges have been laid as a result of the seizures at the market.

The investigation is ongoing, and the RCMP's presence at the market is for both education and enforcement, he explained.

Some investigations will wind up leading to charges, while some simply don't, he explained.