Schneider Electric Fights Back Against Counterfeit Manufacturers

摘要

When Schneider Electric found counterfeits of its Square D~R QO~R circuit breakers in the United States, we quickly took action. Within a short period of time, we filed 13 lawsuits against 27 U.S. companies selling counterfeits. In several cases, investigation revealed information leading us back to the manufacturers in China. However, taking action in China can be difficult. Despite its national government's cooperation with anti-counterfeiting efforts world-wide, China's local governments are often complicit in or turn a blind-eye to the counterfeiting trade, and are protective of whatever boost to the local economy manufacturing counterfeits provides.1 Even with the cooperation of the local government, there are limitations to China's laws and regulations. For example, while local authorities may seize the counterfeit products, they may not be able to seize the equipment being used to make the counterfeits. Still having the equipment allows the counterfeiter to simply move his operation out of the raided location to a new location. Even with the difficulties of pursuing the Chinese manufacturers, there was no question that Schneider Electric should take the steps necessary to work with governmental and non-governmental agencies battling counterfeiting in China.