More counterfeit bearings seized

A large proportion of the counterfeit Schaeffler bearings were seized in raids on bearing distributors across Europe, including Italy, Germany and the UK.

Ingrid Bichelmeir-Böhn, leader of the global brand protection team at Schaeffler, said: "Brand and product piracy is not something that is limited to China or South East Europe. It also takes place right on our doorstep. The German and European markets are no longer flooded with just counterfeit luxury and consumer goods, there has also been an increase in counterfeit safety-critical industrial products such as rolling bearings.”

Worldwide, Schaeffler is actively pursuing the counterfeiting of rolling bearings and the distribution of these products, which in some cases leads to prosecution. Not only is there a threat of claims being made under civil law for ‘cease and desist orders’, damages and the submission of counterfeit products for destruction, but there is also a threat of prosecution under criminal law, which could lead to a fine and/or imprisonment.

Not only is damage caused to legitimate companies that research, develop and manufacture bearings, but also to those companies that install counterfeit components and to their customers. As an example, a customer in Switzerland complained that a counterfeit cylindrical rolling bearing was fitted during the repair of one of its machines. Despite regular maintenance, hot running of the bearings occurred after just six months. This was recognised in good time by the customer, but the issue still resulted in repair costs of around €17,000, which far exceeded the value of the bearings.