"Almaty Removes Zaychik Confectionery from Market"
Counterfeit Nestlé Products Discovered in Almaty Market, Vendor Faces Legal Consequences
In the bustling city of Almaty, Kazakhstan, a vendor was found selling counterfeit goods bearing the Nestlé trademark. The Almaty Justice Department, following a complaint from international company Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., conducted an unscheduled inspection of the vendor's activities.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the vendor had been illegally using markings that mimicked the original Nestlé products, potentially misleading consumers. During the inspection, over 29,000 chocolate bars with counterfeit markings were seized.
The vendor faces a potential fine of up to 80 MCI or 314,000 tenge under Article 158 of the Administrative Code, which pertains to the illegal use of a trademark belonging to another. The case materials will be sent to court for a procedural decision.
In Kazakhstan, counterfeiting intellectual property is a serious offense. The Law on Intellectual Property Rights, the Criminal Code, and the Civil Code all provide legal protections against such infringement. Penalties can include significant fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of goods.
This isn't an isolated incident. In cases involving international companies, there may be cooperation between local authorities and international law enforcement agencies to combat counterfeiting. such as Nestlé.
As counterfeiting not only affects the reputation of brands but also poses a risk to consumers, it is crucial for authorities to take robust action against offenders. The Almaty Justice Department has vowed to continue its efforts to protect consumers and uphold intellectual property rights.
The Almaty Justice Department, while investigating a case of counterfeit Nestlé products, discovered that the vendor was using illegally mimicked Nestlé markings, potentially causing confusion in the general-news sector. The incident highlights the seriousness of business-related crime-and-justice issues in Kazakhstan, where penalties for intellectual property infringement can reach significant finances.
