International. Shure has collaborated with two other international audio equipment brands to address a network in China dedicated to the large-scale manufacture and export of counterfeit goods, such as microphones, headphones and amplifiers.
In May 2023, Shure received information about a network of nine entities in China that exported counterfeit audio equipment to Southeast Asia. The network operated more than 80 independent online stores that sold to customers in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Shure, through IP services company Rouse and its strategic partner, Lusheng, collaborated with two other audio equipment manufacturers to implement coordinated measures against the counterfeiting operation.
The Chinese police force in the province, the Guangdong Province Public Security Bureau (OSP), conducted simultaneous raids against suspects, seizing counterfeit goods in several locations in August 2023. OSP investigated the trading company at the center of the network and, through thorough forensic analysis, uncovered records showing more than $1.7 million in sales of counterfeit goods from various international brands, including nearly $900,000 worth of counterfeit Shure products.
The case concluded in December 2024 with seven suspects sentenced to prison terms of between two and four and a half years, and fines totaling $1.1 million. Shure and another participating brand also reached settlements with the suspects to obtain substantial compensation.
"We thank the OSP, prosecutors and courts in China for their determination in combating these counterfeiting crimes," said Eric McAlpine, vice president and chief legal officer of Shure.
He added, "Counterfeit products harm everyone, including customers and authorized distributors, and we will continue to protect our brand from these illegal activities. Shure has been in business for 100 years, and we want our customers to experience the quality of a genuine Shure product."
