http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/samsung-launches-program-help-curb/story.aspx?guid={88105F85-1A8D-40CE-95BD-3124C9F0DDDC}&dist=msr_1
Samsung Launches Program to Help Curb Toner Cartridge Counterfeiting
The Program Aims to Protect Customers and Channel Partners From Poor Print Quality and High Maintenance Costs
RIDGEFIELD
PARK, N.J., Mar , 2009 — Samsung Electronics America today announced
the success of a program designed to help protect customers and
resellers from counterfeit laser cartridges, part of a worldwide
anti-counterfeiting effort by Samsung that uses security features and
experienced investigators and prosecutors to identify and indict those
engaged in the manufacture and distribution of imitation product.
Since
2008, this effort has resulted in at least 13 seizures of cartridges,
components, supplies and equipment that have a collective retail value
exceeding $3 million. Efforts have netted over 30,000 cartridges and
components found in the United States, Brazil, Peru and Bolivia.
“The
program’s success underscores Samsung’s commitment to provide our
customers and channel partners with quality, authentic product for an
exceptional printing experience, and our larger goal to help end
counterfeiting in the international community,” said J.H. Kim,
President of Samsung Electronics America’s Information Technology
Division.The effort seeks to protect customers from the poor print
quality, short cartridge life spans, toner leakages and printer
failures associated with counterfeit product, which ultimately leads to
higher printing and maintenance costs.
Samsung is also a member
of the Imaging Supplies Coalition (ISC), which sponsors a reseller
protection initiative called “When in doubt, check it out.” This
program allows customers to anonymously submit questionable product to
determine their authenticity. Since the program’s launch, the ISC
reported that counterfeit awareness has increased significantly among
distribution channels. Further information may be obtained by visiting
ISC’s web site at http://www.isc-inc.org/.
Consumers can protect
themselves by purchasing supplies through Samsung-authorized reseller
channels. Consumers should also be cautious of cartridges with prices
well-below market value.Samsung customers or resellers may report any
suspicious incidents by calling the Samsung Counterfeit Toner Hotline
at 1-866-332-4160, which operates 24/7 and has operators fluent in
English, French and Spanish.