Cases

Trademark counterfeiting cases are an ongoing challenge.

Drawing from years of experience handling counterfeit cases, this case is particularly significant due to its implications for consumer rights. Based on the investigation conducted in this instance, Lex Solution Investigations advises consumers to purchase goods from reputable distributors or manufacturers with a strong reputation for integrity.

The case involved a well-known distributor in Taiwan handling an imported draft beer with a short shelf life. Expired beer not only compromises taste but also raises health concerns. The green-packaged imported beer was highly popular in the market. Before its expiration, the Dutch parent company prioritized the return of expired beer to ensure market safety in Taiwan.

The Problem Unfolds
Sales representatives from various regions reported an unusually low volume of returned expired draft beer nearing its shelf-life limit. At the same time, regional distributors complained that new shipments of beer were already being sold in some areas, despite those areas not receiving their allocated stock.

Upon further investigation by the distributor’s sales department, it was confirmed that no new beer had been dispatched from the warehouse. This raised significant concerns for the experienced director, who suspected either smuggling or counterfeiting. Discreet purchases of the new beer were made for verification. Upon comparison, it was confirmed that the product was indeed counterfeit. The counterfeiters had removed the labels from nearly expired bottles and replaced them with falsified labels, making the beer appear fresh and within the expiration date.

The distributor promptly reported the findings to the Dutch parent company, which requested a thorough investigation and recommended hiring a private investigator to uncover the source of the counterfeit labels. In Taiwan, investigative agencies like Lex Solution Investigations are well-equipped to handle counterfeiting cases.

The Investigation and Resolution
Under the direction of the investigative agency’s lead, the team discovered that a beverage wholesaler in Chiayi was illicitly buying expired beer at a price higher than the official return value. The counterfeit labels were applied to the bottles, which were then redistributed to small retail shops and roadside vendors.

Following a coordinated effort between Lex Solution Investigations, the distributor, and law enforcement contacts, the authorities secured a search warrant for the wholesaler’s warehouse. During the search, counterfeit labels and relabeled draft beer awaiting distribution were seized.

Lex Solution Investigations: Your Trusted Partner Against CounterfeitingLex
Lex Solution Investigations specializes in protecting intellectual property and combating counterfeit goods. Through strategic investigations and collaboration with law enforcement, we safeguard businesses and consumer trust.