Manila Bulletin (July 27, 2005)
P10-M fake Casio products seized.
Agents of the National Bureau of investigation (NBI) seized some P10 Million worth of counterfeit Casio brand calculators during a raid in Binondo, Manila.
NBI agents, headed by Special Investigator Adjutor Larosa of the Intellectual Property Rights Division, raided the stockrooms of Pabuenas General Merchandise, HCA and J General Merchandise and Top Needs General Merchandise located ay the third floor of the G7 Sons Building on 646 Pereira Street, Binondo.
The authorities also reportedly questioned Jonathan Jao, Helen Jao, Diana Jao and Rey L. Lopez during the raid.
Seized during the operation were 620 pieces of Casio scientific calculators, 12,258 regular calculators, 1,500 pieces of stickers and 1,000 packaging materials and empty boxes.
NBI agents put the establishment under surveillance and conducted test bust to confirm the evidence gathered through Orion Support Incorporated (OSI), a market research firm representing Intellectual Property Rights of Casio Computer Co. Ltd.
OSI and the NBI simultaneously conducted several intelligence activities to determine the suspects’ illicit activities.
Earlier, the law firm Astudillo and associates which represents Casio Computer Co. filed complaints that Pabuenas General Merchandise and the Top Need General Merchandise were reportedly engaging in the distribution and sale of counterfeit Casio calculators.
The NBI obtained a search warrant from Intellectual property Judge Antonio M. Eugenio Jr. of the Regional trial Court of Manila.
Charges of Trademark Infringement under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines or Republic Act 8293 are being prepared against the owners of the raided establishments.
Written by:
Rizal S. Obanil
Manila Bulletin (Philippines)
