Lately there has been an increase in counterfeiting and piracy activity in the apparel industry worldwide. Cheap and counterfeit goods are being manufactured in certain countries and being shipped out worldwide with fake labelling of some of the most prestigious technology brands.
Japanese company Tajima, a proud holder of over 170 international patents, recently sued and won a legal battle against the US arm of a Chinese manufacturer of embroidery machines. Another Japanese company Juki also took a stand against the counterfeiting of its technology and won infringement cases against multiple defendants in China.
The Indian market is also witnessing similar problems. There has been a noticeable increase in counterfeit goods flooding the local markets. In this scenario, Navyug is one of the few companies that have taken upon itself to fight this menace. An integral part of the sewing machine industry, Navyug today represents some of the most prestigious brands in sewing and embroidery machines and allied products. The company boasts of registered trademarks for Golden Eagle, Yano, Taking, Glory, Fish, Spenti and Onkyo. In fact, H.S. Passricha, Managing Director, Navyug, is so passionate about the subject that he has set up a platform where technology suppliers and manufacturers can come together to raise their voice against the growing menace.
Fighting against piracy /counterfeiting for the last two years continuously Navyug is in touch with Trade Mark Authority of India, which is dealing with Intellectual Property Rights as well as with Customs & Excise authorities. As a result, the Central Board of Excise and Customs recently took out a circular in all the leading newspapers of the country, stressing on the various laws of the country that have been put in place to prevent imports violating Intellectual Property Rights of the original holders under the Copy Right Act 1957, the Trade Marks Act 1999, the Patents Act 1970 and the Intellectual Property Rights (Imported Goods) Enforcement Rules 2007.
“Apparel industry technology suppliers in India have long faced the problem of counterfeiting of machines and spare parts. Recently, the Indian market is being flooded with cheap pirated machines manufactured both in China as well as in India,” says Passricha, the brain behind this platform. “Manufacturers, knowingly or unknowingly, invests in these machines. And when these machines do not perform or give expected quality, the manufacturer blames the brand. This is a loss of business and reputation for both the suppliers and the brands. This is a grave issue which has to be addressed,” he elaborates concernedly.
Talking of the company’s personal experience, Passricha says, “It has come to our notice that similar products are being imported into India under our registered trademarks and brands, with similarities even extending to the packing of these products. One of our brands that have been repeatedly targeted is Golden Eagle.”
Recently, Navyug organized an event in Bangalore, the company showed off its achievements towards the cause by putting on display representatives of some of the largest technology manufacturers and suppliers of the country. “This has shown a bonding and unanimity of thoughts and actions which will see our industry emerge as a strong entity,” said Passricha. The big names that have forwarded their support include HCA, Mahaveer, Ketan Enterprise, Sunny International, Narula Enterprises, Suraj Sales Corporation, S.J. International and the organizers of GTE.
“Registered trademarks are protected by law regardless of the wording or graphic element contained in them. Their use by counterfeiters and pirates is not acceptable. Therefore, we support and stand by this unique platform created by Navyug to fight this menace,” said Anil Anand, HCA.
The meet was also used to encourage its dealers to report any activities of piracy and to dissuade from indulging in the same.
Navyug has been working hard with the industry along with its local agents, to educate all concerned on this problem and to encourage them to not only discourage the guilty, but also report the same for action to be taken against the culprits. The efforts are already bearing fruit. “Earlier this year we got information on a consignment of fake Taking machines that had arrived in Delhi. The police was accordingly informed and they raided the premises where these goods were being stored,” shares Passricha. “But this is a small success in a long battle and we urge more and more supplier and agents to join and support us,” he concludes.
