OCTOBER 14, 2019—The U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group (The Golf Group) has announced its latest raid as part of its fight against fake golf equipment. During the raids, authorities in China found nearly 1,000 counterfeit golf products, adding to the Golf Group’s total of more than two million counterfeit products seized by law enforcement since its inception in 2004.
During the raid this spring, 782 pieces of counterfeit golf clubs and other equipment were seized from offices/warehouses in Shenzhen City and Dongguan City, China. Confiscated in the raid were 348 drivers, 290 irons, 58 putters, 48 boxes of golf balls, 18 golf bags, and 20 club headcovers.
“For many years, counterfeiters around the world have been taking advantage of the popularity of all of our brands for their own benefit, and we’re thrilled that the authorities in China are sending the message that producing and selling fake golf equipment will not be tolerated,” said Sonia Lari, Associate Intellectual Property Counsel, Callaway. “Counterfeit equipment continues to threaten the integrity of the game. With golf equipment becoming more advanced every year, the enforcement efforts driven by the Golf Group are more important than ever to protect consumers and the game of golf.”
An in-depth investigation of the counterfeit operation began in early May, during which it was discovered that the counterfeiters in question were about to clear their inventory and sell the fake golf products to the public. The subject was selling products out of a storefront in Taobao, which authorities estimate had been selling counterfeit clubs and accessories for more than 5 years. The raid was carried out by local government law enforcement authorities and following the investigation, the head of the counterfeit operation was arrested, the counterfeits seized and the locations in both cities sealed. The imitation products are in the process of being destroyed.
“While we are excited that this raid was completed, we know our work to fight fakes in golf is far from over,” said Lisa Rogan, Director of Trademarks and Brand Protection for Acushnet. “We must constantly partner with authorities in China to take down these criminals. We must continue to educate and work with consumers who suspect a website selling equipment online is pushing counterfeit products. And we are committed to doing this by innovating new strategies to prevent forgeries worldwide.”
To give consumers a behind-the-scenes look at the raid, The Golf Group has posted a number of photos of the recent raid on its website, www.keepgolfreal.com and on its Facebook page. Golfers and consumers may also visit the Golf Group Facebook page for more information on the Group’s latest work, as well as tips and insights on how to avoid counterfeit equipment, and how to report suspected counterfeit golf equipment sellers.
About the Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group
The Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group consists of six of the most well-known golf companies in the world—Acushnet Company, whose brands are Titleist, FootJoy and Scotty Cameron; Callaway-Odyssey; Srixon, Cleveland Golf and XXIO; PING; PXG; and TaylorMade. Formed in 2004, the Golf Anti-Counterfeiting Group has supported the efforts of international law enforcement and government agencies to conduct raids and investigations of counterfeit operations, as well as raise public awareness of the issue. Since its inception, the Golf Group’s legal efforts led to the shutdown of more than 1,500 fraudulent websites and authorities have seized more than two million counterfeit golf products.
