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[ INDUSTRY NEWS]
Altadis U.S.A. spearheads cigar counterfeiting crackdown
On March 22, Altadis U.S.A. announced that United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents successfully carried out the arrests of five individuals under the federal anti-counterfeiting statutes. The arrests were a follow-up to the December 15, 2005 arrests of the same individuals by the Miami-Dade County Police Department’s Economic Crimes Bureau.
The arrests were the latest in a series of actions that have taken place in recent months as part of an ongoing aggressive campaign led by Altadis U.S.A. and state and federal law enforcement officials to put a halt to cigar counterfeiting which, according to industry experts, involves the sale of hundreds of millions of dollars of fake products annually, according to the news release.
Several years ago, Altadis engaged in a first round of investigations that resulted in the arrest and prosecution under state law of certain individuals. The information gleaned there may lead to further arrests under federal statutes.
Altadis U.S.A. wants those who produce, distribute and/or sell so-called “Cuban replica” and authentic Cuban cigars that any unauthorized use of Altadis U.S.A.’s trademarks is illegal; labeling the cigars “Habana” or calling them “Cuban replicas” does not make them legal, and those who participate in the manufacture, distribution or sale of “Cuban replica” cigars will be held personally liable for counterfeiting activities.
Altadis U.S.A. has served notice to the trade that it is strongly committed to vigorous enforcement of its trademark rights and will seek criminal prosecution of anyone who would infringe those rights. Altadis U.S.A.’s brands include, among others: Montecristo, H. Upmann, Romeo y Julieta, Trinidad, Don Diego, Santa Damiana, Cabanas, Por Larranaga, La Corona, Saint Luis Rey and Quintero.
Those who may be approached about dealing in counterfeit cigars, are asked to inform Altadis U.S.A. immediately.TR
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