Since May 2015 Billabong has removed more than 2 million counterfeit Billabong Group brand items from online channels, after striking a deal with NetNames.
NetNames removes counterfeit and lookalike products from online marketplaces, fake social media pages and unauthorised websites. Its partnership with Billabong covers four of the group’s brands: Billabong, Element, Von Zipper and RVCA.
“It is of paramount importance that we have a strategy to protect our customers from the disappointing quality and potential dangers of online counterfeits and also to protect our authorised retailers,” said Lesley Skipp, international IP manager at the Billabong Group.
“We are pleased with the results so far and we look forward to continuing our partnership with NetNames in the fight against the illegal use of our trademarks and copyright online, in particular the removal of counterfeit goods.”
NetNames said it was targeting the most significant infringers with online investigations.
Tyron Ball, GM Asia Pacific, at NetNames said he is confident in NetNames’ ability to help with Billabong’s online brand protection strategy.
“The Billabong Group has a stable of global brands, whose products are licensed in over 100 countries, so we are delighted to have partnered with them to deal with the growing issue of online counterfeiting,” Ball said.
“The aim was to maximise the online sales channels by keeping the brands clean online, and so far we have made a significant impact in removing counterfeit online sellers trading Billabong Group brand items. We look forward to continuing to help the group safeguard its online intellectual property and ensure that its brands remain trusted and sought after.”
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