MANILA, Philippines - Berol Corp., a wholly owned company of Newell Rubbermaid, the trademark owner of Mongol (the leading brand of pencils) in the Philippines has issued a notice to the public regarding the proliferation of counterfeit Mongol pencils nationwide. Berol also warned that they would not hesitate to prosecute outlets caught selling fake Mongol pencils.
The notice was issued in the face of numerous reports nationwide of fake pencils bearing Mongol marks duping unsuspecting consumers, particularly parents and students. Berol will coordinate with proper authorities the conduct of a nationwide investigation to pinpoint the source of the fake pencils which are of sub-standard qualities.
Just recently, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Cebu raided a number of school supplies retailers for selling fake Mongol pencils.
Berol Corp., is now preparing charges for the criminal prosecution of the owners of the establishments for violation of intellectual property rights.
The simultaneous raids were conducted by the NBI Central Visayas Office headed by Bernard dela Cruz based on search warrants issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Lyliha L. Abella-Aquino.