Epson takes action to extinguish the dangers of counterfeit lamps

A recent court action against a UK based company that supplied counterfeit Epson projector lamps throughout Europe has resulted in a successful prosecution and, more importantly, the removal of a number of potentially dangerous lamps which presented a serious risk to public health and safety.

West Berkshire Trading Standards initiated a prosecution against Just Lamps, based in Newbury, after the company had supplied counterfeit lamps to Germany which had resulted in serious damage to an Epson projector. A total of 67 lamps were removed from Just Lamp’s premises for further examination and subsequently all 67 lamps were found to be counterfeit.

Following a two day trial at Reading Magistrates Court in September 2015, Just Lamps pleaded guilty to supplying counterfeit Epson lamps and was sentenced to pay legal costs, including a fine and forfeiture order of any counterfeit lamps in its possession.

Neil Colquhoun, Epson’s director of Visual Imaging, commented: “Epson is committed to protecting consumers from the very real dangers of using counterfeit lamps in projectors. Counterfeit lamps are not rigorously tested and many have proved to be dangerous, causing projectors to overheat, melt and in some cases for lamps to explode. Quite apart from the financial cost of replacing valuable projectors damaged by counterfeit lamps, this has potentially serious public health and safety implications.

“Our advice to professionals and home users is to purchase only genuine replacements directly from a certified Epson reseller or through Epson’s own online store.

“Epson would also like to thank West Berkshire Trading Standards for their significant support and the effort they have put into resolving this case and fully support the decision that has been made by Reading Magistrates Court last month.”

Epson’s global IP team collaborates with other consumer supplies manufacturers (via the Imaging Consumables Coalition of Europe), policy makers and law enforcement bodies globally to identify and restrict counterfeit operations. It also has a specialised team focused on online infringement.

Working with law enforcement agencies across the world, Epson has been successful in seizing a substantial quantity of counterfeit goods in recent years, helping to protect customers and guaranteeing the performance of its products.