Scolmore has settled a dispute with Dean Electrical Wholesale, Premspec Group and Dennis Boseley, the founder of Dean Electrical.
The dispute arose after Scolmore became aware that Dean had been selling counterfeit accessory products in the UK, which it was mixing with, and selling alongside, genuine Scolmore products. The counterfeits had been purchased in China by Premspec, under the instructions of Dennis Boseley.
Scolmore says it took a stand because it wanted to urgently get these products off the market, as product integrity and safety are key issues for Scolmore.
In a statement published on its website, Dean says, “Scolmore (International) Limited and The Premspec Group Limited, Dean Electrical Wholesale Limited and Mr Dennis Boseley have settled their dispute over Premspec and Dean Electrical Wholesale’s use of Scolmore’s trade marks in relation to the importation and sale of what have been found to be counterfeit versions of Scolmore’s CMA036 double socket products. Premspec, Dean Electrical and Mr Boseley accept that this amounted to trade mark infringement, which they regret and for which they have paid compensation to Scolmore.”
As soon as Scolmore became aware of the counterfeits, it took action to recover any remaining stock from Dean. The defendants have now paid Scolmore substantial damages and costs and given strict undertakings.
Managing Director of Scolmore, Kevin Beech, says, “It’s shocking that some people are happy to go to China and think they have found a bargain alternative to a genuine Scolmore product – supplied by a factory which is nothing to do with Scolmore, and which is unable to provide any certification or proof of origin. These are mains voltage products, and the defendants took no steps to even make sure they were safe – before selling them on to unsuspecting buyers.
“The lesson here is clear – if you sell counterfeit Scolmore products, we will take action against you.
“We have been working closely with a small number of select overseas factories for many years now and have built up a mutually respectful relationship with them. We have invested in these factories to ensure they have the best equipment, technologies and people in place to manufacture our products to the highest standards. All our products are designed in house in Tamworth, Staffordshire, by our specialist teams. Our partner factories work closely with the designers to work the designs up to samples and then finished products ready for market. We make regular trips to the premises and have regulated systems and procedures in place to ensure that they operate to our exacting standards.
“These factories operate on an exclusive basis with Scolmore, only producing products for our group of companies. Wholesalers and contractors rely on this assurance and this proof of the origin of the products that are being supplied to them by Scolmore.”
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