Yokohama wins counterfeit-wheels battle in China

Tokyo – Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd has managed to eliminate sales of counterfeit versions of its aluminium wheels in China, the company announced 20 June.

Yokohama Rubber filed a complaint to the Foshan Public Security Bureau, regarding a distributor of counterfeit sports car aluminium wheels imitating its Advan Racing wheels in Foshan City and Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province.

The distributor was selling the counterfeit wheels via internet shopping sites and retail shops outside of the company’s official distribution channels.

Acting on the complaint and information provided by the company, the Foshan authorities seized over 900 counterfeit aluminium wheels on 25 Oct 2017.

On 29 March, Yokohama Rubber confirmed that the People’s Court of Foshan fined and sentenced the distributor of the counterfeit wheels to serve time in prison.

This is the second time that Yokohama Rubber has successfully discovered and eliminated counterfeits of Advan Racing wheels in China, the first being back in 2014.

Yokohama Rubber said it “remains resolute in its stance against the infringement of intellectual property rights, including the sale of counterfeit goods.”

The company added that it would strengthen its efforts against such illegal activities in Japan and overseas.