Unfortunately, under the rapid developing, there are still regrets attracted our attention. Due to Yiwu’s prosperous economy, illegal dealers of counterfeits also preferred to set hand in the business, promoted by the tremendous profit by selling counterfeits.

During the routine market investigation in August, 2008, the investigators discovered that counterfeit consumable products seemed flooding in local market. Canon counterfeits were appeared in most consumable stalls. Facing such tough situation, CUIPPC dispatched a group of experienced investigators to conduct in-depth investigation into the matter subsequently.

Via months survey and hard tailing, 4 illegal targets were located as the local counterfeit origins. The 4 stalls generally engaged in Canon counterfeits wholesaling, and kept close relationship with each other. The had already formed a stable illegal gang of distribution counterfeit Cano consumable products. They were probably the counterfeit providers of most illegal dealers in Yiwu market.

Further investigation revealed that the 4 illegal target all held their own ability and responsibilities. One of the four generally organized counterfeit supply and dealt with exportation, while the other three mainly conducted local distribution, as well as counterfeit delivery to cities around Yiwu. Lead by the chief respondent Mi Aifei, the illegal gang formed a mature system of counterfeit stock, distribution and exportation. And each step of the illegal business was under well arrangements and covertly conducted.

In order to protect the right of IPR owners and consumers, as well as the reputation of genuine Canon consumable products, we deemed that a severe raid action upon this illegal gang seems irresistible. We hoped the series raid action would effectively curb the illegal business of counterfeit distribution and exercise considerable market deterrent. Hence, we reported the information to Canon and received their authorization to handle raid action upon the illegal gang.

Upon receiving confirmation, we immediately dispatched investigators to reconfirmed all the suspected targets. Meanwhile, we contacted local executive enforcement and discussed with them about the following raid scheme. On August 29, 2008, we filed a complaint with local AIC against the above illegal targets. Being briefed about the case, the AIC officers attached great importance to this case. Due to the sufficient information support in advance, the AIC officers decided to take action as soon as possible, as the raid opportunity was mature.

On that day, over 10 person/time investigators of CUIPPC and over 20 person/time AIC officers participated in the raid action. Owing to the well preparation and arrangements in advance, the inspection upon 4 suspected target progressed successfully. All the targets were seized with Canon counterfeits on-site. The entire action was finished within one day, and it yielded a seizure of over 600 units of counterfeit Canon ink cartridges. After the inspection, all the suspected counterfeits were removed to the AIC’s warehouse for sealing up. And the chief respondent was also escorted to the AIC office for further investigation.

The severe raid action destroyed the illegal gang engaged in Canon counterfeits distribution and cut off an local counterfeit origin. In addition, large quantities of stall owners and ordinary consumers witnessed the inspection, which produced considerable market deterrent and social reflection. We deem it is benefit for the mass education of IPR protection.

action, our investigators also conducted follow-up survey of this case. It was noticed that all the raided targets stopped their illegal business of selling Canon counterfeits. One of these target even stopped business for sometime after the inspection. Posing as ordinary consumers, the investigators enquired about “cheap Canon consumables”. The answer from all staff of these stall was that “AIC is conducting severe raid action against Canon counterfeits, and no stall dares to sell such products. You could by compatible consumables if you insist on purchasing cheap products.”

Moreover, we also contacted local AIC for the punishment of all raided targets. It was informed that all the counterfeits were confiscated, and all stalls were punished in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.