Market action AND E-commerce site action
2023 — China
Criminal enforcement actions of three manufacturers/sellers of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) for the unauthorized use of our brand, and the closure of their e-commerce stores
An investigation of counterfeit products on a Chinese e-commerce site identified the sellers responsible for large volumes of sales. A thorough investigation traced the sales channels to two upstream suppliers resulting in criminal proceedings against all three organizations. As a result, about 6,000 PLCs, 19,000 labels, and other items for the unauthorized use of our brand were seized along with the arrest of four ringleaders. The sellers' stores on Chinese e-commerce platforms were also closed.
Market Action
2024 — Indonesia
Cease-and-desist letter against seller of compressors unauthorized use of our brand
The Mitsubishi Electric Group received information from our overseas sales subsidiary about parties in Indonesia who had been selling compressors featuring the unauthorized use of our brand. The Group sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding that the parties cease sales and dispose of their inventory. As a result, the parties acknowledged the infringement, accepted our requests, and submitted a written promise never to make the infringement again.
2014 — Myanmar
Criminal enforcement actions against two seller of NFBs (No Fuse Breakers) and contactors for the unauthorized use of our brand
Based on information from a local sales agent regarding counterfeit distribution, criminal enforcement actions were taken against two counterfeiters for the unauthorized use of our brand on approximately 600 NFBs and contactors. Furthermore, an apology advertisement was published in the local newspaper.
2012 — Thailand
Criminal enforcement actions against one seller of NFBs (No Fuse Breakers) and contactors for the unauthorized use of our brand
Based on information from a local sales agent regarding counterfeit distribution, criminal enforcement actions were taken against the counterfeiter for the unauthorized use of our brand on approximately 3,000 NFBs and contactors.
Litigation
2020 — China
Mitsubishi Electric Wins Trademark Infringement Lawsuit against Factory-automation Product Counterfeiters in China
The Mitsubishi Electric Group filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in November 2016 against three counterfeiters in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, who had manufactured and sold sequencers, AC servos, inverters, and other products misrepresenting our brand since around 2012. The Group prevailed in the action. The company executives and employees were also convicted in criminal proceedings, and orders were issued for the disposal of the counterfeit products and the manufacturing equipment.
2019 — China
Mitsubishi Electric Wins Hand Dryer Patent and Design Rights Infringement Lawsuits in China
The Mitsubishi Electric Group filed suit - and prevailed - against two companies that manufactured and sold hand dryers pretending to be our products, with the Group asserting patent and design rights and filing copyright infringement claims. The two counterfeiters were ordered to cease the manufacturing and selling of the hand dryers in China, to destroy infringing products, and to pay damages.