Counterfeiting a growing problem in marine industry.(Dock Talk)

Trailer Boats, March, 2005 by Stone, Rebecca

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), counterfeiting of marine products is on the rise, especially in China. Shortly before presstime, U.S. Rep. Joseph Knollenberg (R-Mich) introduced legislation that would close a legal loophole protecting those who label, wrap and distribute counterfeit products.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Perhaps the most prominent victim to date is Faria Corp., a manufacturer of marine gauges. David A. Blackburn, Faria's president and CEO, discovered that counterfeits of the company's products were showing up in Central and South America, and that Chinese counterfeiters have begun approaching U.S. customers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The problem extends beyond the loss of jobs and revenue for affected...