Chinese Court Convicts Three for Selling Counterfeit Columbia Sportswear; Criminals Face 6-10 Months in Jail, Plus Fines
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Columbia Sportswear Company (Nasdaq:COLM), a leading innovator in active
outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, announced today
that the Huangpu District People's Court of Shanghai, China has
convicted three individuals for distributing counterfeit Columbia brand
products in Shanghai.
On December 29, 2010, Chinese authorities seized nearly 7,000
counterfeit garments, including almost 2,000 counterfeit Columbia
products, with a combined street value of approximately $2.7 million.
The goods were seized from two retail outlets and two warehouses in
Shanghai operated by Mr. Shen Xianxiang who, along with two employees,
was convicted of distributing the counterfeit goods. Mr. Shen was
sentenced to 10 months in jail, while each of the two employees will
serve 6 months. All three infringers were also fined.
"We take our brand and image very seriously and will use every available
legal tactic to stop the unauthorized use of our name, designs and
trademarks," said John Motley, Columbia's associate general counsel and
director of intellectual property. "We believe it's a matter of
principle and integrity to protect loyal Columbia customers from
imposters. We are thankful to the Huangpu District Public Security
Bureau for their efforts in seizing the goods and the perpetrators. We
also thank the Huangou District People's Court for handing down
sentences that send a clear message of deterrence to all counterfeiters."
About Columbia Sportswear Company
Columbia Sportswear Company is a leading innovator in the global outdoor
apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment markets. Founded in 1938 in
Portland, Oregon, Columbia products are sold in more than 100 countries
and have earned an international reputation for innovation, quality and
performance. Columbia products feature innovative technologies and
designs that protect outdoor enthusiasts from the elements, increase
comfort, and make outdoor activities more enjoyable. In addition to the
Columbia® brand, Columbia Sportswear Company also owns outdoor brands
Mountain Hardwear®, Sorel®, and Montrail®. To learn more, please visit
the company's websites at www.columbia.com,
www.mountainhardwear.com,
www.sorel.com,
and www.montrail.com.
Columbia Sportswear Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Investors:
Ron
Parham, 503-985-4584
rparham@columbia.com
or
Columbia
Sportswear Public Relations
Media:
Scott Trepanier,
503-985-4183
strepanier@columbia.com
Source: Columbia Sportswear Company
News Provided by Acquire Media
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