Disney raids wholesaler for sale of Disney stationery without a license
Monday, 18 August 2014 00:01
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The Colombo Crimes Division recently conducted raids at a shop and factory, for sale and distribution of Disney stationery items without a valid license.
The actions were spurred upon a complaint made by Disney Enterprises Inc. through their lawyers Sudath Perera Associates. The raids took place with a search warrant issued by the Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya and executed by the Colombo Crimes Division.
Approximately 34,000 Disney stationery and templates were taken into Police custody and thereafter produced in courts. The representative for Disney confirmed that the stationery items which were manufactured in mass scale were of inferior quality.
Disney Enterprises Inc. based in California, United States of America, instituted action to safeguard and protect its well-reputed brand image and for violation of its Intellectual Property Rights in respect of its well-known cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
As one of the world’s most admired companies, Disney sets high standards in its operations throughout the world and is extremely concerned in providing quality products in the best interest of the consumer, especially products that are enjoyed by children.
According to investigations conducted, these stationery items, allegedly manufactured on a large scale with poor quality paper and toxic paint, are distributed across Sri Lanka for use by unsuspecting children.
Disney Enterprises Inc. complained that the actions of this party were violating its intellectual property rights, causing severe loss and damage to its goodwill and reputation.
Sudath Perera, Sri Lanka’s Counsel for Disney Enterprises Inc., stated that at a time when Sri Lanka is experiencing strong economic growth, it is vital that the intellectual property rights of brand owners are protected in order to attract potential global brands to open up their doors to our fast-developing nation.
He further stated that at the same time it is important to safeguard the interests of the consumers, as these products essentially concern schoolchildren.
The sale of counterfeit goods is an infringement under the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003. Under the said Act, if a person and/or persons are convicted, a fine of up to Rs. 500,000 and/or six months imprisonment may be imposed. Accordingly this matter will be called on 18 September 2014 for filing of the charge sheet.
