Anambra markets raided over counterfeiting

Anambra markets raided over counterfeiting

NO fewer than 100 shops were raided on Friday in various markets in Anambra State.

This followed Anton Pillar Order granted to Pic-Ken Merchants Limited to search and seize its products allegedly being faked.

Anton Pillar order is a court order that provides the right to search premises and seize evidence without prior warning in cases of alleged trademark, copyright or patent infringements.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the raid in Awka, the state capital,   the media consultant to the company, Prince Ifeanyi Dike, said about six companies were discovered faking the company’s (Alteco super glue) product.

Dike said the company had to obtain the court order because fakers were spoiling the company’s relationship and goodwill with its foreign partners.

He said the company’s foreign partners in Singapore had longed to set up its branch firm in Nigeria, but for the activities of fakers of its products whose actions discouraged the Singaporeans.

 While saying that faking of products must stop in Nigeria, Dike called on the legislators to come up with proactive laws in that direction.

He said the rate at which their products were being faked was unbearable.

“We have seized some reasonable quantities of the fake products in the state, especially in Onitsha. The exercise has just begun.

“These people have ridiculed our great country in the eyes of the world and if such thing is allowed to continue, what it means is that people will become suspicious of any product in the country.

 “That was why we went to court and obtained Anton-Pillar order to raid markets across the country. Those people who want to reap where they did not sow must be stopped. They have bastardized the system; as we speak, about six companies fake our products,” Dike said.

He cautioned those patronizing fake products to desist from such, no matter the attraction, in their own interest.

 “They are risking their health. Everybody should be mindful of the products they buy,” he said.

 He commended the support of market leaders in the state especially that of the Chairman of Onitsha market, Chigozie Okeke, while adding that Okeke rendered great support during the raids.