The Daily TRIBUNE 17th June 2009
P9.2-M fake Vans rubber shoes seized in Pasay raids
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday seized 3,069 fake Vans rubber shoes worth P9.2 million during a series of raids on several outlets of three establishments in Pasay City.
NBI Director Nestor Mantaring said raided were C.L. Gatho Footwear with retail store at Stall S-54, Bagong Milenyo Wholesale Shopping Center, F.B. Harrison Street, and stockrooms located at Unit B-7 Bagong Milenyo, Wholesale Shopping Center and Unit Q, Ley Warehouse at 56 Russel Ave., all in Pasay City; A.R. Celestino Footwear with retail store at Stall B-17 7 19, Alok Bldg. at 3030 Agtarap St., Pasay City, and stockroom at Unit 841-5, 5/F, Harrison Shoe Plaza, F.B. Harrison and Azzure General Merchandise with retail store located at Stall A-4, Alok Bldg. at 3030 Agtarap St., and Stockroom at Unit 9-886-5, 5, 5/F.B Harrison corner Agtarap streets.
Lawyer Elfren Meneses, chief of the NBI-Intellectual Property Rights Division, said prior to the operation, they received a complaint from Vans Inc. that several business establishments in Pasay City were engaged in selling and distribution of fake Vans shoes in the area.
After conducting surveillance and test buys, NBI agents swooped down on the place by virtue of seven search warrants issued by Judge Vivencio Baclig of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77.
Meneses said the raids resulted in the confiscation of 3,069 pairs of rubber shoes bearing the trademark of “Vans” worth P9.2 million.
The establishments are facing charges for violation of Section 155 (Trademark Infringement) in relation to Section 170 of Republic Act 8293, otherwise known as The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
— Pat C. Santos