Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy has ordered an inquiry into whether a company producing a new range of Garda merchandising has breached copyright laws.
The Dublin-based company behind the new souvenirs, Irish Decal Products, has said it secured Garda approval before production began on its new range. However, a statement issued by Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin, last night advised the public that the use of the Garda logo for commercial purposes had not been sanctioned by the force.
It continued: "The Commissioner is very concerned at the possible misuse and abuse of such products bearing the Garda crest and has directed an investigation into the apparent misuse of Garda copyright."
The new range of products carries the word Garda and the force's official badge. The Irish Times understands that the badge design is covered by copyright held by the force. The range of products is due to be formally launched next Monday and includes T-shirts, polo shirts, mugs, fridge magnets, stickers, key rings, lapel pins, baseball caps and embroidered badges. Some of the Garda badges are metal and will retail for €3.
The proposed launch follows the growth in popularity in recent years of similar merchandise in the United States, including those carrying the initials and logos of the Los Angeles police department and New York police department and fire department. The New York merchandising became particularly popular following the terrorists attacks of September 2001.
The new Garda products are aimed primarily at the tourist and collectors' market and will be on sale in shops all over the country from next week.
Dún Laoghaire-based Decal Products has been producing replica dinky Garda cars for almost ten years with the permission of the Garda authorities. The cars have been sold throughout the country, including the Garda College, Templemore, Co Tipperary. It is also planned that the new products would also be sold in the Garda College.
The owner of the company, John Brown, yesterday afternoon told RTÉ Radio 1 of the new products: "We approached the guards and we got permission." However, when contacted by The Irish Times after the Garda statement disputing this was released, Mr Brown said all media queries should be addressed to the Garda Press Office.
One source close to the company said none of the new items could be mistaken for the official Garda uniform. The products were of high quality and tasteful and had been sanctioned by the Garda.
It was unclear last night if the roll out of the products would begin next Monday as planned. Mr Brown's company is a wholesale and distribution firm and is believed to have secured orders with a large number of shops.