The Daily Tribune 8th October 2008
NBI agents seize P5.2 million fake ‘Vans’ rubber shoes in Pasay raids
The National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) has seized fake Vans rubber shoes worth P5.2 million during a series of raids in Pasay City last Monday.
Among the stores raided were Wintelo Merchandising and/or Ailene Ding and/or Una Ding located at Stall S-23, Bagong Milenyo Wholesale Center, FB Harrison Street, Pasay City, and two stockrooms located at Unit B-43, Bagong Milenyo Wholesale Center, FB Harrison Street and 3rd Floor, LEY Warehouse, Russel Avenue, also in Pasay City.
According to NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) head Atty. Elfren Meneses, prior to the raids, the establishments were placed under surveillance as NBI agents also conducted test buys to confirm reports regarding the rampant sale of fake rubber shoes in the area.
The NBI received a complaint from Orion Support Inc. (OSI), a market research firm representing the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of Vans.
Seized from the three establishments were 2,895 pairs of counterfeit Vans rubber shoes.
The NBI, OSI and IPR simultaneously conducted several investigations to determine the establishments’ illicit activities.
The owners of the raided establishments are facing charges of Trademark Infringement under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines or Republic Act 8293.
— Pat C. Santos
fake ‘Vans’ rubber shoes