Hypertherm, a manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, has been involved in major counterfeiting raids and is pursuing legal action against four manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit product following four separate raids, the arrest of five executives, and the seizure of thousands of dollars’ worth fake Hypertherm consumables.

 

“Like nearly all companies, Hypertherm is concerned about the impact and safety risks of counterfeit product on our business and customers, and is committed to disrupting the illegal manufacture of products that adversely impact the performance of our systems,” said Brett Hansen, Intellectual Property Manager, Hypertherm.

 

The action, conducted late last year in China’s Changzhou province, involved two of the world’s largest manufacturers of counterfeit product and their principle distributors making this the biggest anti-counterfeiting operation in Hypertherm history. The raids followed more than a year of investigative work and the involvement of law enforcement from two Chinese provinces. In addition, police were able to seize a list of companies conducting business with the illegal manufacturers.

 

“Our consumables are manufactured to strict specifications and often contain patented technologies that are difficult to correctly replicate. As a result, customers who unknowingly purchase these counterfeit products will not achieve the same consumable life or performance as the genuine product, and are at risk,” Hansen concluded.