P10 M worth of fake rubber shoes seized

Anti-piracy agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seized some P10 million worth of fake rubber shoes in a recent series of raid on commercial establishments and warehouses in Metro Manila.

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco said the confiscation of more than 25,000 pairs of Adidas shoes in four separate operations was part of their sustained campaign against counterfeit products and parties who violate the Intellectual Property Rights Law.

In his report, Wycoco said his men first swooped down on four outlets in 168 shopping malls in Binondo, Manila last Sept. 16 and confiscated a total of 47 pairs of shoes, 109 pairs of slippers, and 6,084 pieces of bags – all amounting to more than P.8 million.

On Sept.18, the NBI agents conducted another operation at the Parkland Shoe Emporium in Sta. Cruz, Manila and seized more than 100 pairs of shoes. The owner of the establishment, identified as William Sy Liyuan, was also arrested but was eventually released after posting bail.

The NBI agents then raided a warehouse along Nadurata St. in 4th Avenue, Caloocan City, where some 500 more pairs of fake Adidas shoes were seized. On the same day, authorities proceeded to another warehouse along Azucena St. in Malabon City and confiscated more than 25,000 pairs of shoes. They estimated the value of confiscated items in the last two operations was around P9 million.

Wycoco said the operations stemmed from a complaint from counsels of Adidas-Salomon AG, the German corporation that owns the world famous trademark.

Charges of violation of Sec. 155 in relation to Sec. 170 of Republic Act 8293, or the Trade Infringement Law, will be filed against the owners and officers of the establishments.