Government steps up drive versus fake products

MANILA, Philippines - The government is stepping up its drive against counterfeiting as part of a move to further protect business in the country.

In a forum in Manila, Department of Trade and Industry officials said they are strengthening operations against violators of intellectual property rights and urging the law enforcement agencies to increase operations against violators.

Last week alone, police and National Bureau of Investigation agents raided four warehouses and two retail stores in Manila and confiscated some P10 million worth of counterfeit electronic calculators.

Police said the stores were allegedly selling and distributing fake Casio calculators.

Seized by police from RB Abalos Electronics stores were 20,000 pieces of counterfeit Casio electronic and scientific calculators.

Police said the raid was conducted based on the complaint filed by the MCP Law office, legal counsel of Casio Computer Co., Ltd.

Before the raids, agents from the NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division conducted a surveillance and test-buy from the establishments.

Operatives reportedly established that the stores were engaged in the selling and distribution of counterfeit products.

The agents were armed with 12 search warrants for trademark infringement and unfair competition and two search warrants each against the six establishments issued last Sept. 13 by Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr. of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 24.

The DTI warned that persons counterfeiting products would face two to five years imprisonment and a fine of P100,000.