Chinese counterfeiters were busted by U.S. marshals at this years SEMA show. The alleged criminals were selling fake Jeep parts. OMIX-ADA, the company that makes the real parts, have taken the counterfeiters to courts and they are banned from future SEMA shows. A representative for OMIX-ADA says that the problem is industry-wide and that they were prepared for this issue going into the show.
Key Takeaways:
- The Suwanee, Ga.-based company got a lawyer, gathered evidence, and found a sympathetic judge.
- It’s a little like playing whack a mole, and hopefully if we whack them one time too many, then they won’t be coming back.
- The company views counterfeiting and infringement as a serious and widespread problem in the aftermarket industry and one that can be combated through proper legal channels, and would encourage other members of the aftermarket industry to follow a similar path.
“We’ll have to see how far we can legally pursue the companies that we dealt with today and we’re going to be vigilant going forward,” Van Dongen said. “It’s slow going, we’re just getting started with this but you can see we are focused on it. It’s a little like playing whack a mole, and hopefully if we whack them one time too many, then they won’t be coming back.””