Cisco rebukes counterfeit trader

Gen-X IT forced to pay cash settlement after being caught hawking counterfeit products

Cisco has reached a settlement with distributor Gen-X IT as part of its effort to crack down on counterfeit stock in the channel.

The networking giant said it caught Manchester-based Gen-X IT, which is not an authorised Cisco partner, hawking counterfeit products in 2005.

The distributor has agreed to make a public apology, disclose supplier information and has paid Cisco a cash settlement in return for the vendor not commencing legal action.

Gen-X IT was caught red-handed when Cisco arranged a test purchase as part of an investigation in January 2005. Manchester Trading standards then seized various counterfeit products during a raid on its premises in September 2005.

A number of firms in the UK, France and Germany also fingered Gen-X IT as the supplier of products Cisco assessed as being counterfeit.

Cisco said its strong-arm tactics would send a signal to other counterfeit dealers.

“The purpose of the apology is to get a public acknowledgement from Gen-X IT that it has engaged in unlawful commercial dealings and to send a message to the market that Cisco is actively taking steps against counterfeit dealers to prevent consumers from being deceived,” it said in a statement.

Cisco emphasised that its Brand Protection team has been addressing counterfeiting for several years. The unit specialises in counterfeiting and intellectual property, working alongside local law enforcement and government agencies.

John Donovan, managing director UK & Ireland channel at Cisco, said: “We depend on our distribution channels to provide high quality products, service and support to our customers.

“Customer satisfaction is top of mind for Cisco. Therefore, a healthy channel is vital when it comes to maintaining the integrity of the customer’s network.”