The claim relates to sales by Digiphone of unauthorised non-European Plantronics headsets bearing counterfeit labels and packaging. According to the claim, Plantronics first became aware of Digiphone's dealings back in January 2013 and as a result undertook investigations lasting more than 18 months, with a number of test purchases confirming Plantronics' initial suspicions. The parties have been unable to resolve their differences and the dispute is now heading to the courts.
“We are keen to ensure a level playing field for all our resellers. Until we started this activity, they have faced ever-growing competition from dealers who choose to run the risks of being supplied unauthorised or counterfeit goods by buying from outside the authorised channels,” said Paul Dunne, Head of UK & Ireland Channels, Plantronics. “Those who prefer to buy through our authorised European distributors don't run such risks. We want the market and our customers to know that we have a zero tolerance attitude to any dealings in illegal or counterfeit Plantronics goods. They need to be confident that if it bears our badge, it comes from us, has passed the relevant legislative tests and can be sold legally in the market."
This action is part of a wider programme ensuring business customers are being supplied with high quality, genuine and European-authorised Plantronics products. There may be more court actions to follow.