Counterfeit elastomeric sealants seized in QC
Elastomeric sealants are often used to repair leaking roofs and gutters like this one. | PHOTO: Bostik Philippines
MANILA, Philippines—Bostik Philippines has issued a warning to the public about the proliferation of counterfeit products carrying the name of its popular elastomeric sealant brand being sold even by ambulant vendors aside from hardware stores.
In a statement, the company said it was startled by the discovery after authorities swooped down on vendors of counterfeit Bostik products in Novaliches, Quezon City recently. Operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation confiscated boxes of fake Bostik elastomeric sealants.
NBI agents stormed a hardware store after placing it under surveillance for retailing counterfeit Bostik products, and confiscated boxes of fake elastomeric sealants, according to authorities.
“The crackdown on counterfeit Bostik products continues as we validate tips and leads that we receive from different platforms,” said Bostik in a statement.
“There will be no letup against these products that tarnish the reputation of our company,” the company.
“We thank our retailers and distributors for their continued support for our brand, and we assure them that the crackdown on counterfeit sealants adhesives carrying the name of our brands will be relentless.”
Charges of trademark infringement, among others, have been filed against one suspect at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges are the second wave of legal action that the company mounted against individuals selling counterfeit Bostik products, the company said.
Early this year, the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office recommended the filing of charges against three retailers who sold counterfeit Bostik elastomeric sealants at three separate locations in Binondo, Manila.
Individuals who would be found guilty of trademark infringement could be imprisoned from two to five years and be fined at least P200,000 up to P500,000.
Bostik assured consumers that the company will continue to work with authorities to seize and remove counterfeit Bostik products from the market, as it encouraged the public to report the presence of suspected fake products.
“As these were made outside our manufacturing facilities, Bostik cannot guarantee its quality, thus jeopardizing the safety of structures where these counterfeit products were used,” the company said.
“We appeal to the public to bring any suspected counterfeit Bostik product to our attention so we can assess and track the source of these fake elastomeric sealants that taint the name of our brands.”
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