Brand name merchandisers are expanding their legal actions against the trafficking of counterfeit goods in Chinatown. They have begun targetting building owners who are thought to be renting to tenants dealing in counterfeit goods. The Chew Lun Association, one of the biggest associations in Chinatown, has received letters from lawyers, asking it to evict such tenants.

Although it is too early to say if the two sides will end up in court, the Chew Lun Association has decided to take necessary legal action, in the hope of stamping out the infamous moniker of Chinatown as the “Paradise of Counterfeits.”

Chew Lun has received at least two letters which claim that units in its building are being used to store counterfeit goods. One of the letters was sent out by Gibney, Anthony &Flaherty, LLP, a law firm that has a team of seven attorneys who handle copyright violation cases.

Brian Brokate, one of the lawyers, said that his firm represents Rolex, Tiffany and Coach, among others. He confirmed that the firm is taking legal action in order to stop tenants dealing in counterfeits.

The New York Police Department’s Manhattan South found counterfeit handbags in a building owned by Chew Lun. A search of Department of Building records also showed a that complaint was filed against the building, alleging that someone illegally changed the interior compartments. Building owners were fined $800.

Sources claim that Chew Lun board members discussed whether or not to lease all units to a Mr. Wong. Some members worried that to lease out all units to a single person could arouse suspicion. Mr. Wong eventually got the lease and is now facing the consequences.

Shinyu Hui, a co-chairman of Chew Lun, refused to discuss this issue on account of pending legal action. He said that the Association knew nothing about being used as storage and emphasized that “if we had known it, we wouldn't have rented it out.” He also pointed out that they are not the only building owners to have encountered this problem.

Fusan Tse, another co-chairman, said that the Association will reapply for a Certificate of Occupancy with the Department of Buildings and ask the troubled tenant to vacate. The Association will also discuss the problem internally to avoid future problems.