Bangkok--Feb 20--PC & Associates Consulting
The value of the goods seized is more than 10 million Baht.
Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon) have orchestrated intensive campaigns to clamp down on intellectual property pirates and counterfeiters in the Thai market. Both companies have again renewed their commitment to stamp out the presence of fake ink and printer cartridge products on the Thai market as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that Thai consumers are not harmed by the criminal activities of infringers.
The first major action taken by HP and Canon in conjunction with their legal representative at with Tilleke & Gibbins and members of the police team of the Royal Thai Police took place on 16 February 2006 at two premises in Samutprakarn Province. The action involved the search and seizure of thousands of fakes destined for the retail outlets in Bangkok with a market value in excess of 10 million Baht.
During the action police enforcement officials managed to gain access to a facility where unauthorized re-filling of cartridges bearing the “HP” and “Canon” trademarks was being conducted with a view to duping consumers into believing that authorized products was being purchased. The enforcement officials also gained access to a warehouse used for storing fake ink cartridges, stickers, brochures, and duct tape used in the production of fakes. Both locations were owned by the same individual who has been charged with criminal offences under the Trademark Act. These offences carry penalties of up to four years imprisonment and fines of up to Baht 400,000.
Following on from the successful action, representatives of HP and Canon have reaffirmed their commitment to pursue counterfeiters in Thailand. As part of their ongoing efforts, both companies will jointly expand their enforcement strategy for 2006 to ensure that all fakes in the Thai market (including outside the Bangkok metropolitan area) will be eradicated.
In recent actions the Royal Thai Police have been steadfast in their efforts to assist with clamping down on criminal intellectual property crimes and representatives of HP and Canon have again expressed their gratitude and praise for the professional attitude of those assisting. Hp and Canon have also renewed their pledge to assist and cooperate police authorities in their efforts. Legal representatives of the two companies, Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd., have also expressed great delight with the police efforts to protect the interests of consumers who would otherwise have been deceived and harmed by the fake products.
Foe more information please contact:
Miss Sukolthip Jitmongkolthorng
Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd.
Tel: 0-2263-7700 Email: [email protected]
Press release distributed by:
Miss Pranee Chalermtanasak
PC & Associates Consulting Co., Ltd.
Tel: 0-29713711 Email: [email protected]
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net End.