Product seizure at Frankfurt Trade Fair Ambiente 2025
新闻 | 18.03.2025
Pilot Corporation, a globally recognized Japanese pen manufacturer, is best known for its innovative FRIXION® series. These pens utilize thermochromic ink that can be erased through friction-generated heat, offering a unique and seamless writing experience. However, their success has also made them a target for imitators. The AMBIENTE 2025 trade fair, renowned as the world's leading exhibition for consumer goods, became the stage for a significant intellectual property enforcement action. HOFFMANN EITLE, acting on behalf of its client, Pilot Corporation, successfully confiscated counterfeit FRIXION® pens from multiple exhibitors.
During AMBIENTE 2025, Pilot Corporation and HOFFMANN EITLE identified counterfeit versions of the FRIXION® pens being offered by exhibitors. A swift and coordinated enforcement action followed, ensuring that intellectual property rights were no longer infringed.
On the first day of the trade fair, the enforcement team collected suspect samples from various stands and conducted a thorough technical analysis. Disassembly of these products confirmed the presence of patent-infringing components. Armed with this expert assessment, the team worked alongside German customs authorities to take immediate action. The second day saw customs officials inspecting the targeted exhibitors' booths, where they confirmed multiple violations of patent, trademark, and design rights, followed by the confiscation of the imitations.
The successful action at AMBIENTE 2025 underscores the effectiveness of trade fair enforcement as a practical and efficient method for IP holders to combat counterfeiters. With minimal cost and effort, rightsholders can take decisive action to remove infringing products from circulation, protecting their brand integrity and market position.
HOFFMANN EITLE extends its appreciation to Pilot Corporation for their trust and collaboration in safeguarding their intellectual property. A special thanks goes also to our Partner Dr. Stephan Klaus for his instrumental role in this enforcement action.