NBI seizes P55M worth of counterfeit products

More than 2,000 counterfeit products with an estimated value of P55.2 million were seized from shops by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in several operations conducted in Parañaque, Manila and Malabon earlier this month.

The NBI said it carried out the raids based on complaints filed by Quisumbing Torres Attorneys at Law on behalf of its client, eyewear and sports apparel retailer Oakley, and Lee Bumgarner Inc., representing luxury brands Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

In a statement, the NBI said it confiscated 1,083 fake Oakley products from AJS Online shop and Sarigayao Online Store in Parañaque City on May 6, with an estimated value of P3.5 million.

The following day, it seized 1,024 more counterfeit products, this time bearing the trademarks of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent worth an estimated P51.6 million.

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The items were seized from several shops in Binondo, Manila: John Elegant Leather Bags and Accessories, M. M Variety Store, Buyme Bags and Accessories Store and Azriel Variety Store, as well as from a warehouse in Malabon City.

Those selling the fake products face charges of violating Sections 155 and 168, in relation to Section 170 of Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.