The Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office (VanIPO) at the Department of Trades was immediately informed of this interception. VanIPO then contacted the Singer representatives in Australia who were swift to respond on the same week to confirm that they have received confirmation from the Singer Head Office that the machines are unauthorized Singer Sewing Machines from an unauthorized dealer. Following this confirmation, Customs immediately issued a seizure notice to the Importer for the goods.
The number of units intercepted was 40 machines with about 50 more units still on their way. The items were valued at less than 2,000vt each. Not only were the 40 units a clear copy of the Singer trademark, they were also of very poor quality. All 40 machines will be dismantled and destroyed by Customs. Meanwhile, the Importer was given 20 days to appeal the seizure at the Magistrate Courts.
Singer Sewing machines are very popular in Vanuatu and are widely used by the Mamas to sew local garments and handicrafts. The Singer Trademark is registered in Vanuatu by the Registrar of the Intellectual Property Office and therefore it is protected under the Trademarks Act of Vanuatu. Importers must therefore get the authorization of the registered owner in order to import this protected brand into Vanuatu.
As part of the international community, Vanuatu Customs has a role to play in combating the production and circulation of counterfeit goods around the world. On the local context, fighting against the importation of counterfeit goods is part of Customs duty to protect our communities from counterfeit goods which are usually of poor quality and/or not safe for our consumers and environment. Customs also believes that discouraging the import of counterfeit goods will stimulate economical activities to replace these prohibited items in Vanuatu with genuine products.
Customs and VanIPO will therefore continue to work together to enforce IPR laws in Vanuatu. Importers and Retailers are encouraged to contact the VanIP office or Customs on 33590 or by email
Customs is also appealing to the general public and those who feel that they may be affected by the importation of counterfeit goods, to report to the VanIPO, Customs or the Police of any illegal importation of these contrabands into Vanuatu.
