October 8, 2018
In 2016, UL identified three factories located in the UK that had been involved in the sale and distribution of counterfeit power supply cords (PSCs) affixed with counterfeit UL gold hologram labels. UL’s Global Security and Brand Protection (GSBP) team in the EMEA region investigated the case and confirmed that the counterfeit PSCs were all sourced from the same supplier and exporter in China.
GSBP EMEA then passed the case information and investigation findings to the GSBP team in the APAC region for further investigation. After 3 months, GSBP APAC identified the target’s factory location and confirmed they posed as a UL client to produce and sell counterfeited power supply cords and AWM wires.
By Mar 2017, GSBP APAC collected sufficient evidence and filed a complaint with local administrative authorities. After a raid of the target facility and criminal investigation proceedings from various law enforcement authorities, the counterfeiter was charged by the Public Procurator on December 28, 2017.
The defendant was convicted of Counterfeiting Registered Trademarks (according to Art. 213 of the Criminal Law) and was issued a fine. The counterfeit goods were confiscated, and the defendant is now prohibited from conducting production and operation activities related to electrical wires and plugs for three years. Additionally, he was imposed a fixed term of imprisonment for 3 years and with a suspension for 3 years (i.e. if the ruling is violated and the crime is committed again, the defendant must serve a fixed term of 3 years imprisonment).
UL GSBP remains focused on helping safeguard people, products, places, and supply chains. We will continue to increase our capabilities and service offerings to ensure we remain relevant and keep pace with the needs of our internal and external stakeholders.
