NBI seizes P8.5-M counterfeit footwear

INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities seized P8.5 million worth of counterfeit footwear in five shops located at Tondo, Manila, last week, according to the National Bureau of Investigation.

The NBI said it confiscated more than 1,500 pairs of fake footwear that used the trademark of brands, such as Adidas, Vans, Puma and New Balance.

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The operation on Dec. 9 was conducted by the NBI’s intellectual property rights division, which implemented 34 search warrants against the five stalls for violating Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

The NBI said the case stemmed from a complaint filed by Lee Bumgarner Inc. regarding the spread of counterfeit footwear.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago commended the agency’s intellectual property rights division for the operation which was conducted “peacefully” in front of witnesses and representatives, the statement said. —Gillian Villanueva