TOKYO (Nov. 5, 2014) — Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. said it has successfully completed its efforts to eliminate counterfeit aluminum wheels in China.
The company filed a complaint and submitted information to the Guangzhou Bureau of Public Security in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, regarding a distributor of counterfeit sports car aluminum wheels imitating Yokohama's “Advan Racing” wheels, it said. The distributor was selling the counterfeit goods via Internet shopping sites and retail shops outside of the tire maker's official distribution channels, Yokohama claimed.
“Acting upon the complaint and information provided by the company, the Guangzhou Bureau of Public Security seized over 1,000 counterfeit aluminum wheels on April 1, 2013,” Yokohama said in a press release. According to the company, it confirmed on Aug. 19 of this year that the Intermediate People's Court of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province fined the counterfeit product distributor and sentenced the distributor to serve time in prison.
“Yokohama Rubber is resolute in its stance against the infringement of intellectual property rights, including the sale of counterfeit goods,” the Tokyo-based tire maker said, adding that it “will remain vigilant against such illegal activities, whether they occur in Japan or other countries, as part of its efforts to ensure that customers feel secure in using Yokohama products.”