DuPont Completes Enforcement Action
Chinese Company Caught Using Counterfeit Refrigerant Cylinders
WILMINGTON, Del. — DuPont Refrigerants completed an enforcement action involving counterfeit refrigerants, resulting in the seizure of cylinders and packing in Hangzhou, China.
DuPont identified Hangzhou Sporlan Heating and Refrigeration Co. Ltd., as a potential counterfeiter through a tip from another refrigerant manufacturer. A raid of Hangzhou Sporlan facilities was performed by local law enforcement authorities and counterfeit cylinders and packages were seized.
The investigation confirmed that these were counterfeit refrigerant cylinders carrying the trademarks DuPont and SUVA as well as trademarks of another major manufacturer. The seizure resulted in the confiscation of 300 units of counterfeit DuPont SUVA 134a refrigerant.
A settlement was reached in July, with Hangzhou Sporlan required to pay damages to DuPont. They also agreed to cease to use, advertise, or otherwise infringe on the DuPont, SUVA, and ISCEON trademarks and word marks.
Any breach of the agreement will result in additional damages and further prosecution by DuPont. In addition, the agreement required that Hangzhou Sporlan reveal to DuPont all their suppliers and information associated with bulk refrigerants, cylinders, and carton packages of counterfeit goods so that subsequent investigations can be pursued.
“We continue to aggressively pursue full legal action against counterfeiters who illegally use our trademarks,” said Greg Rubin, global business manager, DuPont Refrigerants. ”Counterfeit refrigerants present a danger to the marketplace in terms of potential safety and environmental issues, as well as the possibility of equipment failure. In addition, counterfeit refrigerants can include CFCs and HCFCs in containers marked as HFCs, which raises an illegal import issue and can be in violation of international treaties, such as the Montreal Protocol.”
Publication date: 12/2/2013
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