Crackdown on Counterfeit SANYO Batteries in Bangkok

June 30, 2009 - PRLog -- Crackdown on Counterfeit SANYO Batteries in Bangkok
SANYO’s continuous efforts steadily leading to a Healthier Market

Bangkok, June 29, 2009—SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) announces that the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), upon SANYO’s request, raided 4 retailers and seized 234 counterfeit SANYO batteries in Bangkok on June 25, and that the ongoing collaboration of the MPB and SANYO succeeded in leading to a great decrease in the distribution of counterfeit SANYO batteries in the market.

SANYO batteries started expanding into the Thai market in 2001, and have been popular among Thai consumers. However, counterfeit SANYO batteries have been illegally marketed in Bangkok in recent years. These batteries are not only of a poor quality, but they also violate SANYO brand. To counter them, SANYO has been continuously stepping up its efforts and supporting MPB’s activities to stem the sales of counterfeit batteries since 2003.

The crackdown this time was realized as part of the efforts, and the result indicates that the number of counterfeit SANYO batteries in Bangkok has significantly decreased compared to the year 2003, where MPB seized more than 3,000 counterfeit SANYO batteries in the same markets. The situation in the Thai market has been progressively improving thanks to the series of MPB’s activities toward the eradication of counterfeit batteries.

Following MPB’s efforts, Shigeharu Yoshii, Sr. VP, General Manager of Intellectual Property H.Q, SANYO said, “MPB achieved another successful result. We sincerely appreciate their professional work and continuous endeavors. They deserve recognition for helping to protect Thai consumers from counterfeits, whilst at the same time protecting legitimate businesses from damages caused by the violation of intellectual property rights. We believe that the improvement of the situation will allow Thai consumers to purchase SANYO batteries without anxiety, and we will continue to support the MPB’ activities against counterfeits.”

To help customers, SANYO is advising customers to confirm with a sales clerk the authenticity of their purchase, and ask whether defective batteries can be returned and exchanged.

About SANYO

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a leading company for energy and environment, providing solutions for energy, environment and lifestyle applications based on its brand vision ‘Think GAIA.’ SANYO's businesses are divided into three business domains: Energy, Ecology and Electronics. These three areas cover a broad range of products and services such as rechargeable batteries, photovoltaic systems, HVAC/R equipment, digital imaging devices, personal navigation systems, home appliances, electronic components and others. For further information, please visit SANYO's web site at http://sanyo.com/.