The raids, conducted by local authorities with information from Epson, were aimed at stopping the sale of counterfeit ink bottles and ribbon cartridges.
CRN India reported that local authorities in Mumbai and Chennai raided retail premises and manufacturing sites that were producing counterfeit Epson ink bottles and ribbon cartridges. The sites were in West Bhandup (Mumbai), Chinthadripet (Chennai) and Sewree (Mumbai).
The raids resulted in arrests and the counterfeiters were charged “under the prevailing laws of the land with counterfeiting and violating intellectual property rights”.
The report does not quantify the seized items but says: “Large quantities of finished and unfinished cartridges, packaging materials, and numerous sets of labels and holograms have been seized. The seized materials are worth more than 2 million rupees ($26,400/ €23,764).”
A spokesperson at Seiko Epson Corporation said: “We acknowledge and applaud the effort of the police in Mumbai and Chennai to curb this menace. We will actively assist and support the law enforcement authorities in such crack downs.”
He went on to say, “Epson takes great care to observe the law and regulations, and to maintain high standards of corporate ethics while at the same time expecting others to show appropriate respect for its rights. We will continue vigorous enforcement of our intellectual property rights to protect our innovative products against those who use Epson’s patented technology, trademarks, and other intellectual property without permission.”
Seiko Epson Corporation said it will continue to protect its interests and to protect the business of its authorised dealers in the future through such raids.
