GENERAL DIY
Q: Counterfeit padlocks seem
that it patents
Q: What should retailers bring to
to be a major problem. What
every aspect of
the attention of shoppers when
is being done to tackle this
a new develop-
recommending padlocks?
ment, thus
problem?
IB. McIntyre: Master Lock be-
protecting
ing one of the largest padlock
itself and its
IB. McIntyre: Good or effective
security does not come cheap,
and unfortunately the purchase of
manufacturers has suffered
customer
patent infringements to vary-
base as well
purchase. There’s no getting
ing degrees throughout its
as the end
away from that, so the
entire history. It is for this rea-
user against
of security through innovation is
what threat, or is it just a case of
controlling general access?
• Is the security being purchased
suitable for the perceived threat? As
an example, there is no use locking
up your front gate with a 30mm
padlock.
• What will the padlock be locking
onto? The consumer has purchased
a 76mm insurance padlock for his
front gate but uses a bath chain to
secure the gate instead of a chain that
is as strong as the padlock or even
stronger.
• How many users and should the
padlock be key retained or not (which
forces the user to lock the padlock)?
• Taking into account the above, will
there be any special requirements in
terms of keying or keying restriction?
• The above questions may seem
like interrogation but they are
pertinent to identifying exactly what
a customer requires and branded
padlock manufacturers such as
Master Lock offer training to the
retailers in this regard, to ensure that
the end user’s needs are met fully.
Highly skilled Master Lock staff are
available to consult to the retailer’s
larger customers if necessary.
negative frame of mind at
Registering a patent is not
so successful. Master Lock ensures
• What are you protecting and from
consumer is already in a
infringement.
son that Master Lock’s strategy
KEY QUESTIONS
TO ASK BEFORE
RECOMMENDING
A PADLOCK!
a padlock is inevitably a grudge
a guarantee in itself that no one will
attempt to produce a counterfeit product
the point of purchase. Then in South
Africa we have the CPA to consider so advice
should only be given by trained or experienced
though; the true test of patenting is in the suc-
staff, or the manufacturer’s recommendations
cessful defence of patents and that is where the
on packaging or their website should be
true expense lies. Master Lock has developed a
referenced for advice, and failing that, the advice
reputation successfully defend-
of a professional should be sought. It is also
ing their patents over the
years and today these
wise to avoid any product that gives
a vague idea of application on
are respected even in
the packaging as this denotes
China.
that the manufacturer has not
tested the application or is not
Assa Abloy: Many
confident enough to advise.
well-known brands
have this problem,
Assa Abloy: When
however, we have our
recommending a padlock,
sales representatives
one should always ask the
and other staff
questions, where, what and
members making
why. Where will this padlock
sure the padlocks
be placed? If the consumer is
sold are 100% ours
using the padlock outdoors,
and if they see
then a weather resistant
something that could
padlock should be used to
be counterfeited, they
ensure that come rain or
report it immediately
shine, the padlock won’t rust
to the storeowner
due to its plastic exterior and
and to the company.
protective seal to prevent
We then in return
the elements from entering
investigate the matter
the padlock. What is it
further and make
being used for and why? If the
sure that all fake
padlock is being used to lock
security products are
away valuables of extraordinary
removed and whoever
values, one would then suggest
is producing them
a high security padlock such
brought to justice. Our
as a 70-95mm rectangular
customers come first
padlock; this padlock is great
and if they purchase
as it is very narrow around
counterfeited
the shackle once locked,
products, it could be
making it very difficult for
a major safety and
criminals to try cut it
security risk.
with a bolt cutter.
Continued
page 78
76
HARDWARE AFRICA 2014