In a significant achievement for both consumer safety and intellectual property rights, L-Acoustics has won legal judgments against two European counterfeiters of its professional audio equipment.
Working through its dedicated Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force, L-Acoustics pursued legal action in both Germany and Norway against companies that were acquiring and renting fake L-Acoustics products, including loudspeakers and electronics. Initial analysis of the seized counterfeit products revealed safety concerns, including metal components only half the required strength of authentic L-Acoustics specifications – resulting in a 48 per cent decrease in safety factor.
In Germany, the court ruled against a rental company using counterfeit Kara loudspeakers, rejecting their defence that they were not liable as they were only renting the equipment rather than selling it. The tribunal recognised the products as counterfeit, prohibiting the company from using other fake products. Critically, the court also mandated the disclosure of information regarding the origin of the counterfeit products, enabling L-Acoustics to investigate potential larger distribution networks.
‘L-Acoustics extends its appreciation to the German court for this significant ruling,’ says L-Acoustics Senior Legal Counsel, Laurent Ostojski. ‘This judgement not only protects our intellectual property but also helps maintain the integrity of the professional audio market.’
In Norway, L-Acoustics acted against a local rental company offering counterfeit products at significantly reduced rental prices. The intervention was motivated primarily by safety concerns, as the fake loudspeakers and amplifiers were being deployed in confined spaces with high occupancy at ‘russ bus’ end-of-year student celebrations. When faced with legal proceedings, the counterfeiter admitted wrongdoing, paid damages and halted pending orders of additional counterfeit products from China.
‘These cases highlight our dual commitment to safety and market integrity,’ Ostojski comments. ‘The counterfeit products not only infringe on our intellectual property but present a real danger to unsuspecting audiences and venue operators. Our priority will always be protecting the public from substandard products that fail to meet proper safety standards.’
All seized counterfeit products are being transported to L-Acoustics headquarters in Marcoussis, France, for comprehensive analysis before being destroyed and recycled in line with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. L-Acoustics is also working with certified European WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) organisations to ensure environmentally responsible disposal and maximum material recovery. The eco-organisation eCologic, a member of WEEE in France, handled the entire destruction and recycling process, which was overseen by a bailiff to ensure compliance.
‘In addition to identifying the rigging dangers of these fake products with half the amount of metal required for our rigorous safety standards, our investigation also revealed that some of the counterfeit amplifiers had already failed before seizure,’ Ostojski explains. ‘This underscores the risk these products pose. By ensuring proper recycling of these materials, we’re removing dangerous products from the market while minimizing environmental impact.’
L-Acoustics manufactures all products in Europe under strict quality control and safety standards. More information about the L-Acoustics Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force can be found at the L-Acoustics website, where users can also report any suspected counterfeit L-Acoustics products.
