Monday, December 31, 2001		On Hardware

Logitech’s bid to combat counterfeits
Peeyush Agnihotri

LOGITECH, a company that is known for devices such as mouse, trackballs, as well as game controllers, keyboards, PC video cameras and multimedia speakers has launched a crusade against spurious mouse suppliers using the company’s name and logo.

During a market survey the company came to know that fake mouse under the company’s logo were freely available to customers. "This not only affects the growth of business but also spoils the brand’s reputation," Sanjeev Virmani from Logitech Far East Ltd., New Delhi, told Login Tribune.

"Based on market survey and information provided by investigation agencies, Logitech has filed about half a dozen law suits (criminal and civil) in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. The counterfeiters were arrested during the raids and produced in the court to bring them to justice. I cannot reveal their name but yes, they have been interrogated and some cases are under investigation," he says.

In the near future, the company plans to raid places like Chandigarh and legal advice is being sought in this matter. "The results have been encouraging in the metros and we expect more such results in B and C class cities, Chandigarh included," he says.

Logitech has OEM mouse besides other nine variants — Cordless MouseMan Optical, Cordless Wheel Mouse, iFeel MouseMan, Mouseman Wheel, FirstWheel mouse, Mini Wheel Mouse, First Mouse 3 button, Logitech mouse and FirstMouse. It is now targeting North India, especially, to eliminate counterfeit activities.

The company is facing a threat through those selling fake products under Logitech’s brand name and those indulging in parallel imports without paying custom duties.

When asked about how Logitech would combat such activities in future, Vermani says apart from legal action against those misusing company’s name, Logitech would create awareness about genuine products through mass media advertisements and roadshows.