The Manila Bulletin   3rd June 2008

PHP 1.5M in fake Lee jeans seized

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) seized some Php 1.5 million worth of fake Lee jeans in a raid in Pasay City.

Raided were stalls D-10 and 11 at the Ground Floor of the Baclaran LRT Cinema and Shopping Mall on Taft Avenue Extension, Pasay City and Unit 1, Parka bargain Center, Park Avenue corner Kapitan Ambo St., Pasay City.

The NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) under Regional Director Elfren Meneses said the raid was conducted following a complaint lodged by HD Lee represented by Quisumbing Torres Law Offices.

Government agents were told that the establishment was engaging in the distribution or selling of fake Lee jeans.

Because of this, they conducted a surveillance operation and a series of test buys to confirm the information.

Once they were able to verify the truth of the information, the NBI applied for search warrants which were issued by Judge Reynaldo Ros of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 33.

Agents then conducted the raid and were able to seize 982 counterfeit Lee jeans.

The owner of the establishment, Gerry Chua, was charged with alleged violation of Republic Act 8293 for trademark infringement.

-- Rizal S. Obanil

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