By: Chris Panganiban
DAVAO CITY, Philippines— The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Davao City in December 4 successfully apprehended a convicted Chinese national involved in counterfeit parts operations linked to bearings formerly under the Koyo brand, now rebranded as JTEKT.
“The collaboration between NBI Davao operatives and JTEKT underscores a united front in safeguarding intellectual property rights and fostering consumer confidence within the motorcycle and automotive industry,” stated Special Investigator III Elias Leaño, Spokesperson, National Bureau of Investigation.
The apprehended individual—Robert B. Cruz also known as “Shisheng Zhang Hou—was captured by virtue of a warrant of arrest to serve his sentence issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 10 of Davao City which rendered a judgment convicting the accused for Trademark Infringement on November 16, 2023.
In a 30-page Judgment rendered by Judge Retrina E. Fuentes of the Regional Trial Court of Davao City, the Chinaman was convicted for Trademark Infringement defined and punished under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. In the judgment, the Chinaman was sentenced to suffer the penalty of imprisonment of three (3) years and to pay a fine of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 100,000.00).
The case for Trademark Infringement arose from an investigation led by JTEKT in partnership with the National Bureau of Investigation – Intellectual Property Rights Division (NBI-IPRD) in 2018. The investigation pinpointed Silverlight Motorcycle Parts and Accessories owned by Robert B. Cruz as a key hub for the distribution of these fake bearings.
“Yesterday’s operation marks a crucial step in preserving intellectual property rights and maintaining industry integrity. JTEKT is unwavering in its commitment to stringent quality standards, ensuring consumers are shielded from the dangers of counterfeit products,” affirmed Attorney Oliver Misador, Legal Counsel for JTEKT.
Extensive surveillance and expert inspections conducted by JTEKT-trained professionals provided concrete evidence validating the counterfeit nature of the fake KOYO Bearings being peddled by Robert B. Cruz. These evidence which were all presented in court during the trial led to the conviction of the Chinaman.
Authorities continue their steadfast dedication to eradicating such illicit activities, prioritizing authentic parts that adhere to stringent quality benchmarks, thereby bolstering consumer trust. The suspects now face charges of trademark infringement for compromising consumer trust and subverting the integrity of the aftermarket industry.
This development highlights the seamless collaboration between NBI-IPRD operatives and JTEKT, showcasing the efficiency of joint efforts in combatting counterfeit operations and upholding intellectual property rights in the automotive industry.
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