Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group Extends Takedown of Counterfeit Golf Product Sellers with 6 New Raids in China
The U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group (The Golf Group) today announced a series of six raids in the continued fight to eradicate all production and distribution of counterfeit golf equipment. The Golf Group worked closely with more than 100 members of the Shanghai Police to conduct raids at assembly plants and warehouses in the cities of Dongguan, Guangzhou, Longhui, Shanghai and Shaoyang.
In total, more than 21,281 pieces of counterfeit clubs, components and apparel as well as 51,904 fake trademark labels bearing the names of XXIO, Titleist, Scotty Cameron, TaylorMade, PXG, Callaway, and PING were found and seized. These raids conducted, September 1 - September 9, add to the Golf Group’s total of more than two million counterfeit products seized by law enforcement since its inception in 2004.
“As golf continues to grow in popularity, counterfeiters are taking drastic measures to deceive the public and threaten the integrity of the game,” said Daryl Rocco, Senior Paralegal for Callaway. “The enforcement efforts driven by the Golf Group are growing steadily, and we’re thrilled authorities in China are sending the message that producing and selling fake golf equipment is unacceptable.”
Counterfeit products confiscated in the raids included golf clubs, club heads, shafts, grips, bags, headcovers, labels, etc. During the raids, seven suspects were detained and/or taken for further investigation. Photos of the raid can be found on the Golf Group website www.keepgolfreal.com and on Facebook.
For information on how to avoid counterfeit golf products, how to report suspected counterfeit golf equipment sellers, and updates on the Golf Group’s efforts to protect golfers, consumers are encouraged to visit www.KeepGolfReal.com and follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/keepgolfreal.
About the US Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group
The US Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group consists of six of the most well-known golf companies in the world—Acushnet Company, whose brands are Titleist, FootJoy and Scotty Cameron; Callaway-Odyssey; Srixon / Cleveland Golf / XXIO; PING; PXG; TaylorMade and Adams Golf. Formed in 2004, the Golf Group has supported the efforts of international law enforcement and government agencies to conduct raids and investigations of counterfeit operations, as well as raise public awareness of the issue. Since its inception, the Golf Group’s efforts led to the shutdown of more than 1,500 websites and authorities have seized more than two million counterfeit golf products.
