NBI raids 2 stores selling Cobonpue imitations

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided yesterday two stores in Taguig and Cavite and seized furniture allegedly imitating the designs of multi-awarded designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

In a phone interview, Ann Edillon, Cobonpue’s lawyer, said CMG Furniture in Market!Market! in Taguig and RSK showroom in Silang, Cavite have allegedly been selling Cobonpue imitations for  years now.

“We will be enforcing more,” she said. “He is insistent on protecting his rights and he hopes other designers will follow suit. Definitely, we will be filing criminal cases.”

No arrests were made, but the NBI is readying charges against the owner or the board members of the raided firms.

A case is being built up against the source of the imitation products. 

The NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division raided the stores on the complaint of Cobonque.

A manufacturer from Cebu, Cobonpue’s clients include Hollywood celebrities and members of the British royal family.

Some of his furniture had also been showcased in several Hollywood films like “Ocean’s 13” and television hit series like “CSI Miami.”