In the last two decades, counterfeiting in general has grown by 10,000%, globally. While there has been much reporting about consumers being taken advantage of by counterfeits in music, film, home electronics and designer clothing, a far greater risk lies in industrial counterfeiting of items such as tires, seals and bearings. All these products are safety-critical and fake versions pose a real threat.

As a result, the World Bearing Association has launched an awareness campaign to inform about safety hazards arising from counterfeit bearings.

Mr James W Griffith persident of WBA and president and chief executive officer of The Timken Company said that “Our initiative is aimed at sensitizing the public on the dangers associated with counterfeits. The WBA is thus intensifying its anti counterfeiting initiatives that means information for customers on the one hand and consistent prosecution of offenders through the competent authorities on the other.”

The WBA anti-counterfeiting information campaign will reach out to various audiences over the next three years through e-mails, Web banners, social media and the campaign site, www.stopfakebearings.com. At www.stopfakebearings.com, interested consumers can learn more about counterfeiting and what branded-bearing manufacturers are doing to stop it.

Mr Griffith said that “Everyone who buys, sells, mounts and uses bearings can be adversely affected by counterfeits, so it is their best interest to be on the lookout for them. Manufacturers of products containing industrial bearings may be held responsible for damages. We want purchasers to realize that counterfeiting is a widespread and serious problem.”

Counterfeiting also violates intellectual property, such as patents and trademarks. Because counterfeits look like and are marketed like genuine, premium brand products, it usually takes a trained expert to identify them. The competent authorities and the concerned brand manufacturer may be contacted.