Gqeberha shop manager fined R87,000 for selling counterfeit Apple accessories
Image: Nicholas Kamm / AFP
The manager of a Gqeberha cellphone accessories shop has been slapped with an R87,000 fine after admitting to selling counterfeit Apple products, following a successful prosecution by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit.
Harrikumar Patel, who managed HOCO (Pty) Ltd operating from Shop 32 in Walmer Park Shopping Centre, pleaded guilty to charges under the Counterfeit Goods Act and the Trademarks Act.
The Gqeberha Regional Court confirmed his conviction after a lawful search of the store on March 28 uncovered 145 counterfeit Apple-branded items, including iPhone covers, charging cables, power banks, car chargers, and port adapters.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the fake products infringed on the intellectual property rights of Apple Inc., a US-based company.
The complaint was lodged by Apple Inc., represented in South Africa by attorney Jarred West from Spoor & Fisher in Centurion.
'The investigation revealed that the imported goods bore imitation trademarks likely to mislead consumers into believing the products were genuine Apple merchandise,' Tyali said.
Regional Prosecutor Shumeez September-Moodley, who led the case, stressed the importance of protecting consumers and intellectual property holders from the harms associated with counterfeit products.
Barry Madolo, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, welcomed the ruling stating that this outcome reinforces the commitment of the NPA and its partners to combat intellectual property crime and protect legitimate businesses and consumers from the dangers of counterfeit goods, as well as prevent further detriment to the economy of the country.
Tyali said the case serves as a warning to those involved in counterfeiting.
'This case sends a clear message that trademark infringement, and counterfeiting will not be tolerated in the Eastern Cape or anywhere in South Africa,' he said.
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