On Unilever Cosmetics International (UCI) the State Prosecutor's Office in San Jose seized a counterfeit factory which was illegally manufacturing fragrance products relating to the prestige trademarks of UCI, Estee Lauder and Puig.

UCI investigative personnel initiated the investigation in Costa Rica in April 2001 and provided updates to counterpart personnel from Estee Lauder and Puig, USA. Based on information obtained by UCI, the Prosecutor's Office in San Jose executed search warrants that resulted in the seizure of counterfeit fragrance products, components, manufacturing machinery, computer print discs and business records. UCI credits the Prosecutor and staff in San Jose for their co-operation in aggressively working with victim trademark owners to enforce recently enacted Intellectual Property Rights legislation in Costa Rica.

Reportedly, this is the first counterfeit fragrance case to be prosecuted under this new law. This investigation serves to further demonstrate the global commitment of UCI to defend its Intellectual Property Rights and to willingly work with other trademark owners who share similar objectives. Unilever Cosmetics International is the New York based manufacturer of cosmetics and fragrances for Calvin Klein; fragrances for Unilever Prestige brands: Nautica, BCBG Max Azria and Vera Wang and fragrances for the European Designer Parfum brands which include Cerruti, Chloe, Lagerfeld and Valentino.

The Internet is the perfect network for counterfeiters to sell their fragrances anonimously. The case described above is the most ideal scenario for brand owners looking for justice. Most of the sales of counterfeit fragrances however occur on the Internet. This makes it very hard for brand holders and consumers to identify the real thing, resulting in the loss of brand image. Pretection can solve this problem. Their professionals can identify counterfeit fragrances and brands worldwide and deliver the identity of the offenders to the brand holders. This will make it easier to get to the source of this supply chain and ultimately seize counterfeit factories as described in the case above.