P500K Worth of Fake Molten Basketballs Seized

The Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized more than 200 pieces of fake basketballs amounting close to P 500,000.00 from three sports boutiques last month.

On the strength of a court-issued search and seizure warrant, the CIDG found Mix Sports, Jianwang and Plus Sports commercial stores in Divisoria engaged in marketing and selling imitations of Molten basketball models GL7 and GG7 and were selling these items at the retail prices of the original models.

In a statement by Molten Corporation Japan through its exclusive distributor to the Philippines, Sonia Trading, the company expressed their concern due to losses caused by the proliferation of imitations of their patented basketballs and the complaints of customers who unknowingly purchased fake balls sold at their original prices.

According to Molten representative Atty. Raul Allado, “the operation signals the beginning of a vigorous campaign by Molten, by and through our government authorities, to rid the market of fake Molten products which continue to proliferate to the prejudice of the unknowing public.”

“Though similar at first, the skin of a fake ball peels off easily and the markings and black channel lines are different. Discoloration and change of texture is often observed in a fake ball even without heavy usage,” Allado said. He added that an authentic Molten ball comes with a 2-year factory warranty and is sold inflated to avoid deformity.

The CIDG submitted the confiscated balls to the Intellectual Property Office for custody pending their presentation as evidence in connection with the cases filed against the owners of said commercial establishments in violation of Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code.

The Molten GL7 and GG7 genuine leather models are used in the Philippines Basketball Association, International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and in the upcoming 2012 London Olympics.