September 2022
A clear case of label fraud
Checked/ticked off – everything okay? Ingrid Bichelmeir-Böhn and Martin Rügemer from the Schaeffler Brand Protection Team explain what the proverbial catch is.
Editors
Mrs. Bichelmeir-Böhn, Mr. Rügemer, large quantities of Schaeffler packaging have turned up with data matrix codes marked off with a thick felt-tip pen. Shouldn’t customers be pleased about this? Apparently, the codes have already been checked – and it seems everything is in good order.
Martin Rügemer
Unfortunately, no. Exactly the opposite is the case. Whoever marked off the codes and no matter what the intention was: For every other customer in the supply chain, this rules out the use of our digital bearing authentication option and other Schaeffler services.
Ingrid Bichelmeir-Böhn
And that’s not all. The consequences go much further. After all, the packaging is part of the product. This means that our product has been modified in an unauthorized manner. The original product thus becomes a trademark-infringing product. The value of the goods is destroyed and commercial suppliers, as well as the buyers, can be threatened with civil lawsuits and criminal prosecution.
Editors
But eventually, the packaging is separated from the product and disposed of. Isn’t it a bit excessive to prosecute such cases?
Martin Rügemer
No, we must pursue such cases consistently. After all, we don’t know whether the manipulation of our codes was done with good intentions or not. Besides, data matrix codes are an important means of communication with the customer. They help them check the authenticity of our products by means of the Schaeffler OriginCheck App. In addition, they provide access to further important product information.
Ingrid Bichelmeir-Böhn
Violations of trademark law and product piracy do not only entail legal consequences. Counterfeits and plagiarisms can also cause enormous economic damage. Not to mention the fact that counterfeit rolling bearings can pose a risk to life and limb in critical applications.
Original or counterfeit? The Schaeffler OriginCheck App assists you in verifying the authenticity of our products.
Editors
So, protecting trademark rights is closely linked to protecting customers – in various different ways. How is it possible to protect oneself against plagiarism? What are your tips?
Martin Rügemer
• Play it safe. That starts with the selection of suppliers. We recommend you only buy from certified Schaeffler sales partners.
• Check your goods by scanning the data matrix code on the packaging with the Schaeffler OriginCheck App for your smartphone.
• If you have even the slightest suspicion, do not hesitate to contact the Schaeffler Brand Protection Team. We will be happy to help you.
Editors
Thank you very much for the interview.