HP anti-counterfeiting programme to protect online shoppers

With the global pandemic resulting in a lockdown, counterfeiters had moved focus to online platforms. During this period, the HP ACF team kept vigil on ePurchases and this online surveillance resulted in the identification of websites dealing in counterfeit goods. The HP ACF programme shared the details with relevant authorities and a result more than 10,000 online websites selling counterfeits were identified and de-listed.

HP regularly conducts audits and cooperates with law enforcement agencies to conduct raids to reduce counterfeits in the supply chain to protect customers and businesses. As a result of this co-operation, counterfeit goods worth Rs 45-crore were seized by the respective authorities between November 2019 and July 2020.  Of note was a single raid on a syndicate in Mumbai, where seizures in excess of Rs 22.5 crore were made. The authorities also made total of 78 raids during this period, which resulted in 68 arrests.

The HP ACF programme also works closely with eCommerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm, and Shopclues to only allow authorised partners to sell genuine products. This process helps reduce the risk of customers and partners unintentionally purchasing counterfeit ink and toner supplies as they work, learn, and earn from home and remote locations.

Counterfeit ink and toner print supplies pose a serious threat to consumers and businesses alike. The use of unlawful counterfeit supplies can result in printer damage, malfunctions, and printer hardware warranties becoming void. More importantly, it can result in lost revenue and unnecessary downtime for consumers and businesses that many cannot afford.

Apart from assisting the authorities in seizing the non-genuine goods, HP also invests heavily on security features for its ink and toner supplies on its cartridge packaging to indicate if the contents are legitimate. It delivers added value to consumers, business customers and partners to ensure security, reputation protection and seamless operations.

Aside from enforcement and raids, large and medium-sized HP customers can request a Customer Delivery Inspection (CDI), a unique protection service if they suspect the presence of counterfeit products in their delivery. Consumers can also report the incident of counterfeiting online on the HP website. HP proactively protects channel partners and customers from unauthorised printing supplies through the Channel Partner Protection Audits (CPPA). Customers who source their supplies from CPPA certified partners are assured about the authenticity of their ink and toner print supplies.

Through the ACF programme, HP aims to protect businesses from the problems that can result from counterfeit supplies.