L-Acoustics has won legal judgments against two European counterfeiters of its professional audio equipment. The company says the legal actions underscore its unwavering commitment to ensuring audience safety and protecting the market for legitimate partners.
Working through its dedicated Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force, L-Acoustics pursued legal action in both Germany and Norway against companies that were acquiring and renting fake L-Acoustics products, including loudspeakers and electronics. Initial analysis of the seized counterfeit products revealed alarming safety concerns, including metal components only half the required strength of authentic L-Acoustics specifications, resulting in a 48 percent decrease in safety factor.
In Germany, the court ruled against a rental company utilising counterfeit Kara loudspeakers, rejecting their defence that they were not liable as they were only renting the equipment rather than selling it. The tribunal recognised the products as counterfeit, prohibiting the company from using other fake products.
Critically, the court also mandated the disclosure of information regarding the origin of the counterfeit products, enabling L-Acoustics to investigate potential larger distribution networks.
Laurent Ostojski, senior legal counsel at L-Acoustics, said: “L-Acoustics extends its appreciation to the German court for this significant ruling. This judgement not only protects our intellectual property but also helps maintain the integrity of the professional audio market.”
In Norway, L-Acoustics acted against a local rental company offering counterfeit products at significantly reduced rental prices. The intervention was motivated primarily by serious safety concerns, as the fake speakers and amplifiers were being deployed in confined spaces with high occupancy at “russ bus” end-of-year student celebrations – creating a potentially dangerous situation.
When faced with legal proceedings, the counterfeiter admitted wrongdoing, paid damages, and halted pending orders of additional counterfeit products from China.
Ostojski added: “These cases highlight our dual commitment to safety and market integrity. The counterfeit products not only infringe on our intellectual property but present a real danger to unsuspecting audiences and venue operators. Our priority will always be protecting the public from substandard products that fail to meet proper safety standards.”
All seized counterfeit products are being transported to L-Acoustics headquarters in Marcoussis, France, for comprehensive analysis before being properly destroyed and recycled in line with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy.
L-Acoustics is working with certified European WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) organisations to ensure environmentally responsible disposal and maximum material recovery. The eco-organisation eCologic, a member of WEEE in France, handled the entire destruction and recycling process, which was overseen by a bailiff to ensure compliance.
Ostojski explained: “In addition to identifying the rigging dangers of these fake products with half the amount of metal required for our rigorous safety standards, our investigation also revealed that some of the counterfeit amplifiers had already failed before seizure. This underscores the risk these products pose. By ensuring proper recycling of these materials, we’re removing dangerous products from the market while minimising environmental impact.”
