## ⚖️ Legal Action Against Counterfeit Plumbing Products in Sri Lanka

The Colombo Chief Magistrate has commenced an inquiry following a CID investigation into the sale of counterfeit KITZ Corporation Japan products. The case highlights ongoing efforts to protect intellectual property within the local construction and hardware sectors. • Case Overview: Two hardware dealers are accused of selling duplicated plumbing items, misleading consumers by branding them as genuine Japanese KITZ products. • Authorized Representation: Elite Corporation, based in Messenger Street, testified as the sole authorized distributor for KITZ Japan in Sri Lanka. • Evidence: The CID produced seized items in court, which the authorized agent confirmed were fakes, contrasting them against original samples. • Legal Context: The Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Financial Fraud Unit is leading the prosecution to curb the circulation of sub-standard building materials that impact infrastructure quality. • Next Steps: The trial is set to continue on March 19, 2026.