Seller raided for fake printer ink
October 16, 2024
Epson targets counterfeit printer ink with legal action after successful Malaysian raid.
In a major crackdown on counterfeit printer supplies, Malaysian authorities raided an online seller operating on Shopee, one of Southeast Asia’s largest e-commerce platforms. The seller, who had accumulated a five-star rating, was found to be deceiving customers by selling fake Epson printer ink bottles under the guise of genuine products.
The illegal operation, reported by local media reports (see here and here), was shut down after authorities confiscated counterfeit goods valued at approximately RM250,000 (€50,000/ $52,500). The incident marks a significant blow to the underground trade of counterfeit printer supplies, which threatens not only brands and consumers but also legitimate resellers and remanufacturers, whose businesses are undermined by the illegal distribution of fake products.
The raid, conducted in close collaboration with Epson’s anti-counterfeiting team, resulted in the seizure of numerous counterfeit ink bottles, which had been meticulously packaged to mimic the appearance of genuine Epson ink. Despite the seller’s popularity and high customer ratings on Shopee, their activities were violating intellectual property laws. Legal action has now been initiated against the seller, with authorities aiming to deter further counterfeit sales on online platforms.
Epson has been actively fighting the proliferation of counterfeit products in the region, this case highlights the growing issue of fake consumables in online marketplaces. Last month The Recycler reported about a similar raid by the Perak branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) who acted on information given by trademark representatives where 493 cartridges suspected of being falsely trademarked, were discovered.
Categories : World Focus
Tags : Counterfeit Crime Epson Ink Bottles Malaysia Raid
