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The Trade Practice and Investigation Commission
imposed its maximum fine, 50,000 Br, on businessman
Tewodros Woldegrebriel for importing and
distributing fake Akira-brand TVs.
The manufacturer of the real Akira brand electronics
is the Singapore-based Aki Habara Electric
Corporation Pte Ltd, whose agent in Ethiopia is
Country Trading Plc.
The defendant was accused of importing more than
1,000, 14-inch televisions from China’s Huajia (Tianjn)
International Trade CE Ltd in 2004 that were made to
appear like Akira-brand televisions.
“I do not have complaints as it is a flawless
decision,” the convict’s attorney, Redai Beraki told
Fortune. “My client will service the fine.”
Tewodros is engaged in
import and export, and supplies electronic
equipments imported from China and Dubai to
retailers in Merkato.
According to Redai, Tewodros claims he was cheated
in what he thought was a legitimate trade with a
partner in China.
Aki Habara, whose main office is located on
Singapore Toh Goan Street International Trade Park,
appealed to the commission on August 10, 2005,
accusing the businessman of deceiving consumers.
It is the second time the commission, comprised of
four commissioners including Chief Economic Advisor
to the Prime Minister, Neway Gebreab, has issued a
50,000 Br Fine. Last year it fined Mokur Salt
Producers Association the same amount for practicing
unfair trade.
Contending that it registered the trademark for the
Akira brand at the ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI)
for exclusive distribution rights, Country Trading
argued that Tewodros has stolen its market share.
“It has bruised our reputation in one way or another
on top of confusing the shopper,” read the
complaint.
The commission was also asked to instruct the
National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) and Ethiopian
Customs Authority to deny foreign currency for such
businessmen and strictly control the smuggling of
fake Akira products. The company also required the
removal of the goods from the market.
The plaintiff also asserted that the defendant
should pay damages equivalent to its revenue from
the sale of the pirate goods in Ethiopia and pay the
costs of filing the lawsuit.
Tewodros ultimately
accepted the commission’s ruling, though originally
fought the complaint.
“The commission has no right to address trademark
controversies such as this one,” Redai said, on
behalf of his client, to the Commission.
The commission has however rejected the objection,
claiming that it has the responsibility to protect
the consumer in any form of unfair trade practices.
Subsequently, the commission ruled on December 7
that the defendant should not use the trademark on
Ethiopian soil.
Headed by Harka Haroye, former minister of justice
and now member of parliament, the commission also
includes Mesay Girma, director general Quality and
Standards of Ethiopia, Teklewold Atnafu, governor of
the NBE and Neway. Only Neway and Harka were present
to pass a ruling on the Akira trademark conflict.
Established in 1999, Akira has been expanding its
range of Audio-Visual, Household and Home
Appliances, including LCD TVs, DVD and VCD players
among others. The company’s products are sold in 60
countries around the world.
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