SHANGHAI - Acushnet is spending more than $2 million a year to combat counterfeiting, a budget that didn't exist five years ago. The $1.4 billion company is training US federal customs agents to recognize fakes.
But of the 40 factory raids Acushnet has helped with over the past four years, only 9 have resulted in criminal cases. Chinese authorities rarely shut down factories permanently for making fakes, and some counterfeiters under investigation boldly keep up their illicit business.
"The police spend a lot of resources investigating, but then the prosecutor may not be supportive to police, and when cases are tried in court, sentences are usually a suspension or criminal fine," said Jack Chang, chairman of the Quality Brands Protection Committee, a lobbying group in China representing 180 multinational companies.
Sounds like AmeriKan business.
To find out what product they are talking about, and what the Boston Globe felt was worthy of a front page lead, go here
No worries about the FOOD or DRUGS, huh?
THIS is what border agents are going to be worried about?
FORE!!!!!!
