IMC is set to revolutionize how we think about Asset Management. Happening in Marco Island, Dec 16th - 19th 2024

IMC 2024 is designed to equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and tools needed to lead with foresight and innovation.

Sign Up

Please use your business email address if applicable

Jury finds reseller of electrical products guilty of selling counterfeit Square D circuit breakers

The counterfeit circuit breakers, all bearing trademarks registered to Square D, were discovered by Schneider Electric during the prosecution of its lawsuit against Breakers Unlimited and were sold by Breakers Unlimited in 2005 and 2006.

The amount of damages to be awarded and the scope of an injunction restricting Breakers Unlimited’s continued involvement in the market where counterfeit circuit breakers are bought and sold have yet to be decided by the court.

“This lawsuit is one example of Schneider Electric’s ongoing commitment to preventing counterfeiting and protecting its customers, trademarks and designs,” said Bill Snyder, vice-president, channel development, Schneider Electric. “We continue to lead the industry in pursuing counterfeiters up and down the distribution chain because we are dedicated to preserving the integrity of our products and protecting people from the serious health and safety hazards associated with counterfeit products. Through our efforts in this lawsuit and others like it, we have kept more than 250,000 potentially hazardous counterfeit goods out of the marketplace.”

Schneider Electric filed suit against Breakers Unlimited in June 2007, alleging that Breakers Unlimited was guilty of selling counterfeit circuit breakers and infringing on Square D’s trademarks in violation of federal law. During the course of the lawsuit, Schneider Electric discovered that Breakers Unlimited purchased counterfeit QO products from Pioneer Breaker & Control Supply of Austin, TX, and North American Breaker Co. Inc., of Burbank, CA. Neither Pioneer Breaker nor North American Breaker are authorized Square D Company distributors. After three days of testimony, the jury concluded that Breakers Unlimited had offered for sale and sold substantial quantities of counterfeit Square D QO circuit breakers it acquired from these two suppliers.

“Distributors, electrical contractors and users need to be aware that there are hidden and potentially deadly hazards associated with counterfeit circuit breakers,” said Jim Pauley, vice-president of industry and government relations, Schneider Electric. “Counterfeit breakers can fail to trip in the event of an overload or a short circuit, creating a risk of fire. By identifying counterfeit products and reporting counterfeiters, everyone in the industry can help prevent serious injuries and save lives.”

Square D is a brand of Schneider Electric for National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA) type electrical distribution and industrial control products, systems and services.

Inquires related to or requests for a copy of the lawsuit can be directed to Stephen Litchfield, assistant general counsel, Schneider Electric, at (847) 925-3516.

ChatGPT with
ReliabilityWeb:
Find Your Answers Fast
Start