Imation takes legal action against Saudi resellers of counterfeit products

Working with inspectors from the Department of Prevention of Commercial Deceit in Saudi Arabia, 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 in the Department of Prevention of Commercial Deceit in Saudi Arabia as well as the Anti Fraud Department at the Ministry of Trade in Saudi Arabia for their cooperation and their initiative in protecting 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 unauthorised 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 Trade in Saudi Arabia. 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 take protection of their 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 originate from China. The authorities in Saudi Arabia are stepping up the fight against counterfeit CDs and DVDs, warning perpetrators that it would be taking serious action against all involved in counterfeiting.