Dubai: Tech firm HP has worked with officials in Dubai to close down two “internationally-active” manufacturers and wholesalers of fake printer supplies. Between December 2017 and February 2018, officials raided numerous premises across the region, including outlet stores, clandestine workshops, and hidden warehouses. In total, the authorities confiscated 35,400 illicit printer components as well as 1,200 ready-for-sale counterfeit toner cartridges.
For users, illegal imitations can cause performance and reliability issues, HP said on Sunday. It can also lead to manufacturer’s warranty becoming inapplicable.
In contrast, original HP products are designed to meet HP’s quality and reliability standards, it added.
“The HP commends the cooperation and swift action of Dubai officials and their determination to apprehend and prosecute counterfeiters who break the law. We are proud of our continued work to bring counterfeiters to justice in the Middle East,“ said Glenn Jones, director of the global anti-counterfeit programme at HP.
“Through our unwavering efforts and commitment to removing counterfeit products from the market, we continue to focus on the protection of our customers through our anti-counterfeiting programme.”
Across the region over the last five years, approximately 12 million counterfeit components have been seized by local authorities, with the help of HP.
The HP has conducted over 4,500 audits and inspections of partners’ stocks or suspicious deliveries for customers.
