After widespread investigations, Rome’s Inland Revenue Police Department, the Nucleo di Polizia Tributaria, identified an organization of 10 Chinese which introduced to the domestic and, in particular, to the local market, poor quality glasses bearing the names of the world’s most famous brands. The seizure of counterfeit goods began in the Esquilino district and, with the aim of uncovering the entire distribution network, it was followed by vigilant observation of the commercial areas involved. The companies and the warehouses used by the Chinese to store considerable quantities of goods were identified.
The operation was set in motion when the goods were being transported, with simultaneous actions at the warehouses and stores, where the police discovered a labyrinth of underground rooms used to hide the goods. It was in this way that they thwarted regular checks by the police as no counterfeit goods were displayed in the stores. The wide-ranging plan of action brought about the seizure of over one million pairs of glasses with Armani, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Oakley, Valentino, Dior, Ray Ban and Prada logos, as well as thousands of counterfeit accessories, labels and pendants.
The value of the goods is estimated to be in excess of Euro 6 million and this will be taken into account in tax evasion proceedings against the companies that were operating illegally. As well as guaranteeing the return in inland revenue, the operation’s main aim was to protect public health by preventing the sale of goods made from inferior materials and with no certification of compliance.
There are two problems with counterfeit eyewear.
On the one hand, the trademarks, patents, designs and models, which the industry has protected by supporting considerable investments in research and human resources, are systematically infringed and nullify the protection of the technical and esthetical heritage that has been so painstakingly achieved.
On the other hand, and this is much more serious, counterfeiters do not care about the harm they inflict on the companies in the sector and on consumers by flooding the market with qualitatively inferior products, which translates into a serious risk for consumer health given the very close relationship between eyewear quality and function.
Anfao, the Italian Association of Manufacturers of Optical Goods, has always been in the frontline of the fight against counterfeiting. Already the plaintiff in many pending legal proceedings throughout Italy, it is now examining the possibility of taking action also in this case.
来源：Eyesway
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发表于 2016-9-22 14:15:14