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Anti-Counterfeit Authority Raid on China Square, Seizing Ksh 50M Goods
28/02/2023 22:42 in Business News

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) admits to raiding the beleaguered mega-mall China Square.

 

ACA revealed in a statement dated February 28 that it investigated the facility to investigate charges made by a local Kenyan dealer who accused the store of violating their intellectual property rights.

 

Smithmo Company Ltd, the dealer, accused the store of selling goods under their brand name.

 

"ACA received a formal complaint over "FINDER branded instruments" from M/s Smithmo Company Ltd, who owns the registered trademark "FINDER" in Kenya," according to the statement.

 

The Authority clarified that the raid took place on February 16, and that hardware tools worth millions of dollars were discovered.

"The brand owner's items, estimated to be worth Ksh50 million, were seized in-person. The Authority takes intellectual property rights and fair trade practices very seriously "The ACA declared.

 

It stated that the raid was carried out as part of its responsibility to defend individuals' and companies' intellectual property rights from infringement, counterfeiting, and piracy.

 

The agency also stated that it would continue to enforce the rights by creating an atmosphere conducive to innovation and creativity.

 

Additionally, ACA urged individuals and businesses to register trademarks, patents, copyrights, and designs, which provide owners with legal protection.

 

It also warned against unfair trading practices in the country and committed to protect intellectual property rights.

 

In a statement to the media following the search, China Square owner Lei Cheng described the infringement accusations and the raid as part of a larger scheme to put him out of business.

He believed it was just a mistake that was handled, noting that the complainant had written to ACA requesting that the case be dismissed.

 

Nyama Kima market vendors flooded the central business area on February 28 to protest China Square.

 

This occurred the day before Vice President Rigathi Gachagua intended to meet with traders from Gikomba, Kamukunji, and Nyama Kima markets.

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