Trader faces raps for selling 'fake' products

CEBU, Philippines -  A trader is facing charges before the Regional Trial Court for allegedly engaging in the selling and distribution of counterfeit products.

Benjamin Sy, owner of New Dynamic Automotive Supply located at Leon Kilat St., Cebu City is now facing criminal charges after Assistant State Prosecutor Elizabeth Berdal found probable cause to charge him for violation of Republic Act 8293 otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

The case stemmed from the complaint of Robert Bosch Inc. who sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 for the investigation and apprehension of the seller and distributor of fake Bosch trademark products.

On February 11, 2006 NBI special investigator Jedidah Hife together with market researcher Ricky Tagudig, went to the establishment of New Dynamic Automotive Supply to purchase samples of automotive products all bearing Bosch trademarks.

The purchased products submitted for examination and evaluation by the complainant revealed the products were fake.

Upon knowing Sy sells and distributes fake Bosch trademarks products, they then applied for a search warrant which was issued by Judge Antonio Eugenio of Regional Trial Court Manila Branch 24.

On April 5, 2006 they confiscated eight pieces relays; four pieces of ignition coils and 172 pieces of sparkplugs bearing Bosch trademarks.

Berdal recommended P10, 000 bail for Sy’s temporary liberty. The prosecutor noted the respondent’s failure to appear for the preliminary investigation as one of the basis for elevating the case to the courts. — (FREEMAN)