Friday Jul 24, 2026
Friday Jul 24, 2026
Friday, 24 July 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Japanese automotive giant Niterra Co. Ltd., the proprietor of the NGK brand (with Douglas and Sons Ltd being its sole authorised agent for NGK spark plugs in Sri Lanka), recently pursued criminal action directly against several wholesale entities including Sajana Motors, involved in selling and possessing counterfeit NGK-branded spark plugs in Sri Lanka. As a result, the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) conducted criminal raid operations against the said spark plug dealer located in Horana, following complaints filed by Niterra Co. through their local legal representatives, Sudath Perera Associates.
Based on applications submitted by the Colombo Crime Division (CCD), the Horana Magistrate issued a search warrant against the entities, causing the seizure of counterfeit NGK products displaying registered logos and trademarks.
Subsequently, the raid executed at the said infringing entity was carried out, and the CCD was able to seize and take into custody a large volume of counterfeit NGK branded spark plugs which were in the possession of the aforementioned accused entity, which were manufactured and/or sourced through illegal channels and suspected to be utilised to package and sell counterfeit products under the disguise of genuine NGK spark plugs.
The sale of and dealing in counterfeit products is a strict violation and a criminal offense under the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2006.
Counterfeit products pose a major threat not only to the legitimate brand owners but also to the unsuspecting consumers as well. While this unlawful and/or illegal conduct causes substantial damage, reputation, and economic loss to the brand owners, it also poses severe safety issues to the unsuspecting consumers.
As these counterfeit products are related to vehicle engines, there is a grave concern of consumer safety and road safety when unsuspecting consumers use these counterfeit products, as there is no assurance that these products are manufactured adhering to the quality and safety standards pertaining to the safe functioning of motor vehicles, especially considering the growing number of motor vehicle accidents recorded in Sri Lanka presently.
Furthermore, such counterfeit products also present negative results to all other stakeholders from lost taxes to the Government, royalties and other revenues, loss of goodwill and reputation and reduced incentive to innovate and invest, hence it is therefore fundamental that steps are taken to enforce the laws to protect intellectual property rights to safeguard brand owners as well as the consumers.
The suspect pleaded guilty and was fined Rs. 250,000 by the Magistrate of Horana. A court order was also issued for the destruction of the counterfeit products seized during the raid.
