CHINA – Timken continues its robust anticounterfeiting efforts, this time working with investigators to confirm counterfeit operations in Hubei Province, China. More than 35,000 pieces of counterfeit Timken packaging were seized. This is one of 37 seizures in 2018 that revealed counterfeiters globally selling fake “Timken” products.

Customs officers noticed a suspect shipment of 102 rolling bearings. A combination of packaging material in very bad condition, low goods value and a strange shipment route, helped them make the decision to contact the trademark owner to have the authenticity of the products verified.

A few of weeks ago, SKF supported the Justice Department (the enforcing authority) in Kazakhstan during a raid in Almaty. The events that took place during the Kazakhstan visit also put the light on the very faceted tasks pursued by the Brand Protection team. One day you find yourself in work wear, digging into dusty warehouses of potential trademark infringers, the next you are in your c-suite meeting government officials and ambassadors.

The Timken anti-counterfeit response team has focused on developing and updating anti-counterfeiting measures since 2005. These activities protect Timken trademark and intellectual property rights while helping ensure customers receive only genuine Timken® bearings.

Symbolic destruction of counterfeit bearings to increases knowledge and awareness about the counterfeit – but still many misconceptions

Schweinfurt, June 11, 2018. The nation-branding initiative “Germany – Land of Ideas” organized by the German Federal Government and Federation of German Industries (BDI) has named Schaeffler as one of the recipients of its “Outstanding Landmark” award for 2018.

MEXICO – In 2017, Timken worked closely with Mexican officials to investigate counterfeit operations in Mexico City and Guadalajara. It eventually led to the seizure of 88,000 fake bearings. Currently, the case is implementing several penalties to the counterfeiter involved, including having all counterfeit products, packaging and promotional materials destroyed.

Counterfeit bearings continue to be a worldwide brand-protection and safety concern. In 2017, NTN Corporation continued its efforts to ensure that customers buying genuine NTN bearings receive only genuine NTN bearings by introducing a new anti-counterfeit label and app.