P4-M imitation T-shirts seized

Some P4-million worth of imitation T-shirts were seized by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) during a series of raids in Manila, Valenzuela and Pasay City recently.

Raided were two stalls of Michimoto Trading in Divisoria and Binondo in Manila, Fidelity General Merchandise on Taft Avenue extension in Pasay City, MH Garments factory in Malinta and its stockrooms in Karuhatan and Maysan, HA2 Garments factory in Canumay and its stockroom in Maysan,Valenzuela City.

Raiders seized some 4,995 T-shirts bearing the trademark and logo of Vans Inc., the sole authorized company to manufacture Vans products.

In his report to NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco, Rogelio Mamauag, chief of the NBI-Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD), said the raids were conducted by virtue of several warrants of arrest issued by Manila Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr. of Regional Trial Court Branch 24.

Mamauag said representatives of Van Inc. sought the help of the NBI following reports that unscrupulous individuals were manufacturing their items without authority and selling them at a much lower price.

NBI agents conducted surveillance on the firms and, upon verification, carried out the raids.

Mamauag said the proprietors of the establishments who were not around during the raids, will be charged with violation of Republic Act 8293, also known as the infringement law.