In Munich, customs cracked down on counterfeiters at bauma 2019, the world’s leading trade fair for mining and construction machinery. The around 20 investigators in action seized hundreds of suspected fakes within just two days in April, according to the main customs office Rosenheim. In total, 36,000 euros in security deposits were collected; eight criminal investigations against alleged IP infringers are underway.
Representatives of various trademark holders assisted the officials by examining suspicious items and supporting customs on-site. Apparently, the items seized were mostly counterfeit spare parts for road construction machinery – originating primarily from China, Turkey, and South Korea. Promotion and sales material for suspected fakes, which allegedly violated the rights of well-known manufacturers, was also confiscated. “This is the only way to prevent that counterfeits are ordered directly from these exhibitors at the trade fair,” explained Rainer Fürst of the main customs office Rosenheim.
In the fight against counterfeiting at bauma, German officials also focused on raising public awareness: To educate visitors on the potential security risks of counterfeit construction machines, German customs cooperated with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA). At a joint exhibition stand, visitors and exhibitors alike were able to obtain information on IP enforcement and patent protection, among other things.
