In a recent development, Honda Motor, the renowned Japanese multinational automobile giant, has initiated criminal action against several entities involved in the sale and possession of counterfeit automobile spare parts bearing the Honda brand and trademarks in Sri Lanka. This move comes as a response to safeguarding intellectual property rights and ensuring consumer safety amidst a surge in counterfeit products circulating in the market.
As part of the crackdown, three wholesale dealers in automobile spare parts located in Colombo 10 and Homagama were targeted in coordinated raid actions conducted by the Colombo Crime Division (CCD). These actions were initiated based on complaints lodged by Honda Motor Co., LTD through their local legal representatives, Sudath Perera Associates with the CCD.
Search warrants were obtained from Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrama of the Magistrate’s Court of Maligakanda against Kevin Motors and Rebecca Motors in Colombo 10, and from Magistrate Rajeendra Jayasooriya of the Magistrate’s Court of Homagama against D.M. Auto Holdings in Homagama. The warrants authorized the raid and seizure of any counterfeit Honda products bearing registered logos and trademarks.
During the raids, conducted simultaneously at the locations of the accused entities, CCD officers successfully seized a significant volume of counterfeit Honda spare parts. Additionally, a considerable quantity of empty packaging containing Honda logos, trademarks, and the Honda wing device, suspected to be utilized for packaging and selling counterfeit spare parts as genuine Honda products, was confiscated.
The sale and dealing in counterfeit products are grave violations and criminal offenses under the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2006. Counterfeit products not only harm the legitimate brand owners but also pose risks to unsuspecting consumers. These illicit activities cause reputational damage, economic losses, and safety concerns, especially in the case of motor spare parts, where compromised quality can lead to serious safety hazards on the roads.
Moreover, the circulation of counterfeit products results in significant revenue losses for the government, diminishes incentives for innovation and investment, and undermines the overall integrity of the market.
-Daily FT-
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