Last November, Dutch Customs at the Port of Rotterdam seized 2900 imitation Columbia Sportswear Company jackets bearing the label “Solumbia” and featuring a simulation of the well-known “Columbia diamond” trademark.
The goods were impounded under European Union anti-piracy regulations as the perpetrators were attempting to transport the goods from Hong Kong to Germany. After Columbia initiated legal proceedings to block the shipment, the transporter abandoned the goods.
Through the Dutch legal process, all 2900 imitation women’s jackets were recently destroyed under customs surveillance. With the assistance of Dutch authorities, Columbia Sportswear is currently pursuing civil and criminal sanctions against the perpetrators.
“I want counterfeiters worldwide to understand that we are very serious about protecting our brand, and that we are aggressively pursuing those who try to illegally capitalize on Columbia’s solid reputation in the outdoor apparel and footwear industry,” said Tim Boyle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Sportswear.
As part of an aggressive campaign to protect its unique brand, Columbia employees, independent sales representatives and distributors around the world are trained to identify copycat products and to immediately report them to corporate headquarters.
