ALKHOBAR, 14 August 2007 — Imation, a worldwide vendor of removable data storage media, has begun to fight back against resellers of counterfeit products in the Kingdom and it is certain that with the company’s acquisition of TDK, it will be increasing its efforts to eradicate such goods from the market.
Imation has now completed the acquisition of the TDK brand recording media business and the use of the TDK brand name for recording media products worldwide. Under the terms of the agreement Imation will be able to use the TDK brand name for current and future recording media products including magnetic tape, optical media, flash media and accessories. In addition to TDK, Imation’s portfolio includes the Memorex brand.
Imation is currently taking legal action against two resellers for selling counterfeit products in the Kingdom. Working with its legal representatives in the Kingdom and with inspectors from the Department of Prevention of Commercial Deceit, two stores in Riyadh and their respective warehouses were raided. Both establishments are located in the computer peripheral devices market. Over 98,000 fake CDs and DVDs were seized during the two raids.
“We are very grateful to the authorities at the Ministry of Commerce in Saudi Arabia for their cooperation and their initiative in protecting the consumers and the Imation brand name,” said Riyaz Abdulla, regional manager, Imation Middle East and English-speaking East Africa (MEEA). “We have repeatedly warned resellers that we would take strong legal action against anyone selling unauthorized and counterfeit products. We do not have a huge problem in the region but there are some resellers that continue to ignore these warnings and make it necessary for us to take legal action. We have to not only protect our brand but also support our legitimate channel and our customers who rely on Imation quality.”
The raid was conducted by an inspector from the Anti-Fraud Department at the Ministry of Commerce. The initial raid targeted one store but at the conclusion of this raid, the inspector noticed that a nearby shop also displayed similar fake CDs for sale. The inspector decided to extend the raid to include this shop, yielding a further 20,000 CDs. A salesperson at the second store ran away from the shop when questioned by the inspector about the suspect goods.
Ashley Hill, representing Imation’s lawyers, Denton Wilde Sapte, stated: “We are very pleased with the outcome of these raids for our client. Imation takes protection of its brand, product quality and good name in the marketplace very seriously. Manufacturers and suppliers of counterfeit Imation goods can expect continued legal action against them going forward.”
According to information gleaned during the raid, the fake CDs and DVDs originated from China. The authorities in Saudi Arabia are stepping up the fight against counterfeit CDs and DVDs, warning perpetrators that serious legal action will be taken against all involved in counterfeiting. The authorities encourage both consumers and other retailers to report the sale of counterfeit goods through a toll-free No. 800-124-1616.
