Ford Sues Companies Over Counterfeit Parts
Ford filed a federal trademark infringement suit against four companies claiming they sold, distributed, and advertised thousands of products, including truck grilles and other parts for at least two years. The company – in tandem with state and federal law enforcement agencies – claims an investigation turned up significant evidence that the companies in question worked together to produce and distribute thousands of counterfeit products potentially worth millions of dollars and sell them on their own websites, and through third-party online retailers like Amazon, per Repairer Driven News.
The complaint, filed August 8th, 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, names wholesaler Crov Inc., shipping company Sunward Logistics USA, importer FD-All Together Automotive, and manufacturing company Qingdao Hairunkaiyuan Auto Parts Co as defendants. Ford says the operation to produce, distribute, and sell counterfeit items has harmed its reputation and that they are of lower quality than genuine original equipment parts. Among the items seized in multiple raids were counterfeit truck grilles, in addition to spark plugs, glow plugs, ignition coils, and emblems.
