A consignment found to be carrying a substantial number of counterfeit 'Timberland' shoes has led the courts to order their destruction within a period of 90 days.

On 9 September 2016, customs officials at the Marsaxlokk Freeport flagged a dubious container found to be carrying the counterfeit shoes which included the registered Timberland trademark.

Upon investigation by an official representative, the products' lack of authenticity was confirmed, leading the authorities to seize the items pending the outcome of a civil case instituted by the retail company against EURL ISKALIA IMP/EXP, the registered company behind the consignment. 

A report on the authenticity of the shoes was made in November 2016 and presented in court.

Lawyer Peter Fenech, representing Timberland, a registered brand with the EU, requested for the destruction of the counterfeit products - without any compensation being paid for the destruction and that the expenses incurred by the Customs Department.

Mr Justice Mark Chetcuti, presiding over the case, observed that the claims put forward by Timberland were undisputable, and agreed to the requests put forward by Dr Fenech.