The seized counterfeit products.
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has warned business entities to refrain from the distribution of counterfeit products and uphold equitable trade practices.
The authority urged the consumers to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of items prior to making any purchases.
“Any grievances related to trademark infringement or anti-competitive behaviour should be reported to the Competition Promotion Division of the CAA. The authority has confirmed that legal measures will be pursued after thorough investigations are conducted”, the CAA in a release said.
Recently the CAA took legal action against a business entity engaged in the use of counterfeit trademarks and brand names, subsequent to a recent raid in Colombo 14.
The investigation uncovered that the company was involved in the counterfeiting and distribution of bathroom and plumbing fittings under the registered trademarks of VENUS, PLUMBER and RAIDA.
Acting on a complaint received by the CAA, the raid uncovered a substantial quantity of counterfeit products fraudulently prepared and stored for wholesale distribution. These actions were deemed to mislead consumers and violate fair competition practices.
Legal proceedings were initiated against the suspects at the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court. After the suspects pleaded guilty, the court imposed fines totaling Rs. 150,000 across three related cases.
Additionally, counterfeit goods valued at over Rs. 2 million were ordered to be destroyed by the court.
