Latest Water Technologies of Abengoa Water - GineersNow GineersNow Engineering Magazine Issue No. 022, Abe | Page 23

KSB Group Takes Action Against Asian
Brand and Trademark Infringers
Within the framework of the globalisation and digitalisation of business models, large-sized and
high-priced investment goods are now also sold over the Internet. Unfortunately, this is also
leading to a sharp increase in brand and trademark infringements regarding offers made on
online platforms.
Mainly Asian manufacturers are using the good reputation of the long-established manufacturer
KSB to market their products. Under protected KSB brand names, they offer pumps and valves
as well as spare parts for sale on international trading platforms. In particular, the names of
well-known products, such as Etanorm, Omega and BOA, are frequently used. But the umbrella
brand “KSB” is also often misused to maliciously deceive the targeted buyers.
Since July 2016, the KSB Group has identified 420 marketers on eight different online platforms
who are illegally misusing the manufacturer”s product names. To put a stop to this conduct that
is harmful to its business, KSB has now established a task force to combat these illicit activities.
In cooperation with an Italian project partner, it is made sure that such infringements are reported
to the operators of these platforms and the corresponding offers are deleted. If necessary, legal
action is also brought against the brand and trademark infringers.
Water Leaders • June 2017
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