Namibian police have arrested 13 Chinese citizens and confiscated counterfeit Casio calculators worth about R2 million.
The offenders were caught with the counterfeit calculators in Windhoek, says Quentin Boshoff of Bowman Gilfillan, the appointed trademark attorneys for Casio Computer.
"These illegally branded Casio calculators were sold at rock-bottom prices to the public, severely undercutting the trademark-holder`s brand.
"The penalty provisions of the Counterfeit Goods Act are significant and being caught with counterfeit goods has severe ramifications.
"In terms of the Act, the first conviction is liable for payment of a maximum fine of R5 000 or imprisonment for three years or both per article. The Act states that a second offender is liable for a fine up to R10 000 or imprisonment of five years or both per article," he says.
"With such hefty fines being levied at perpetrators dealing in illegal items, it just isn`t worth the risk. Namibia, along with other members of the SADC customs union, is taking a tough stand against such illegal goods. Casio Computer has joined forces with and has initiated the counterfeit taskforce in Namibia. This group works closely with the Namibian police services, custom authorities and the Department of Trade and Industry in an attempt safeguard trademark-holder`s rights," says Boshoff.
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