L-Acoustics has announced that it has won legal judgements against two European counterfeiters of its audio equipment.
Working through its anti-counterfeiting task force, L-Acoustics pursued legal action in both Germany and Norway against companies that were acquiring and renting fake L-Acoustics products, including loudspeakers and electronics.
Metal components in the seized fake products featured only half the required strength of genuine L-Acoustics specifications.
In Germany, the court ruled against a rental company which used counterfeit Kara loudspeakers, rejecting the accused’s defence that they were not liable as they were renting the equipment rather than selling it.
The tribunal identified the products as counterfeit, prohibiting the company from using other fake products. Full disclosure of information on the origin of the counterfeit products was also made available, allowing L-Acoustics to investigate a potentially larger distribution network.
In Norway, L-Acoustics acted against a local rental company that was offering counterfeit products at reduced rental prices. The intervention was motivated by safety concerns, due to the fake speakers and amplifiers deployment in confined spaces with high occupancy at end-of-year student celebrations. The counterfeiter admitted wrongdoing, paid damages, and halted pending orders of additional counterfeit products originating from China.
All seized counterfeit products are being transported to L-Acoustics’ headquarters in Marcoussis, France, for analysis before being destroyed and recycled in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility strategy, working with certified WEEE organisations to ensure environmentally responsible disposal and maximum material recovery.
Laurent Ostojski, senior legal counsel, L-Acoustics, commented: "These cases highlight our dual commitment to safety and market integrity. The counterfeit products not only infringe on our intellectual property but present a real danger to unsuspecting audiences and venue operators. Our priority will always be protecting the public from substandard products that fail to meet proper safety standards."