⚖️ Japan’s NGK Wins Brand Protection Action in Sri Lanka

• Legal Action & Raid: Japanese automotive giant Niterra Co. Ltd. (owner of the NGK brand) pursued criminal action against sellers of counterfeit spark plugs in Horana. Following complaints filed through legal reps Sudath Perera Associates alongside sole agent Douglas and Sons Ltd, the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) raided wholesale entities including Sajana Motors and seized a large volume of fake products. • Court Ruling & Penalty: The suspect pleaded guilty to criminal violations under the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2006. The Horana Magistrate imposed a fine of Rs. 250,000 and ordered the immediate destruction of all confiscated counterfeit items. • Impact on Automotive Sector: Authorities highlighted that counterfeit engine parts pose severe road safety risks to drivers while causing substantial economic loss, tax revenue leakage for the government, and diminished investor confidence in brand rights protection.