June 2003
The European Parliament has voted to accept amendments to the European Council EC 3295/94 which details the procedure for Customs Officers and companies who suspect the importation of Counterfeit products.

• Applications will soon be free of charge for customs enforcement
• An Insurance bond is no longer required to seize goods
• One application in one member state applied automatically to others

June 2003
ELITE, DOMOTEC and AKITA kettles found on the market fitted with copies of the STRIX control system are being currently assessed by the Bulgarian Test Institute.

June 2003
The consumer market in China is seeing explosive growth, and STRIX is currently working with AQSIQ to ensure that kettles for sale on the local market conform to the required standards. Enforcement action against Guangdong manufacturers of unsafe kettles is underway. Similar actions continue for manufacturers of kettles for export.

Ningbo Sunlight have been put on notice regarding infringement of STRIX patents in China.

Kettles fitted with Shunde Yong Heng controls which allow consumer access to live parts are the subject of market recall in European country.

Legal action continues against the traders at Guangzhou Fair October 2002 who offered for sale products infringing STRIX Intellectual property registered in China.

June 2003
KATOMO 380C kettle, as imported into the country by Elta Budapest, has been tested by MEEI of Hungary and found to be unable to comply with Hungarian Standards. STRIX is discussing the matter with the local enforcement government department.

The accession to the European Union in May 2004 and the associated adoption of the working principles of the Low Voltage Directive has created a more difficult market surveillance environment. The Katomo 380C as imported by Elta Budapest was the subject of legal action in Germany. The same kettle was also found to be unsafe by VDE.

June 2003
A small number of electric kettles have been imported into India under the Inalsa and Usha brand names fitted with copies of the STRIX control system. STRIX has commenced legal action against the importers.

June 2003
Duplex branded kettles fitted with copies of the STRIX control system have been withdrawn from the market.

Korean Test Laboratory (KTL) are investigating 5 kettles discovered on the market fitted with copies of the STRIX system. Brands involved are, Minoya, Nova, Turtle and Unimax. Further Intellectual Property actions on the infringing are underway against the importers.

June 2003
Enforcement action by the Energy Commission of Malaysia (ST) is underway. The newly formed Enforcement Division has advised retailers to withdraw unsafe kettles.

June 2003
Katomo 380 C kettles were also removed from the Netherlands on safety grounds from Doddema stores.

Tristar JL 100L kettles were removed from Keijmel Recreatie and Mansero retail outlets on safety grounds.

"All Ride" kettles fitted with copies of the STRIX control system and offered for sale in to the low voltage DC automotive market have been stopped form sale. Agreement regarding future conduct is underway with the importer Edco.

The Netherlands Inspectorate for Health Protection and Veterinary Public Health have completed a report a survey of electric kettles. This survey followed STRIX complaints to the authority about the continued appearance of Tristar kettles on the market in the Netherlands and Belgium. 24% of the 42 models examined were found to be at fault and legal action was taken against 9 suppliers.

June 2003
CK Tangs
Damages were received from retailers CK Tangs, as well as from their supplier East Peak Pte Ltd following the sale of kettles fitted with copies of the STRIX control system. Remaining product was delivered up to STRIX for disposal. Deeds of undertaking for the future were obtained.

Best Denki
Following the discovery of infringing products on sale in retailers Best Denki, a deed of undertaking regarding future conduct and damages were obtained form their supplier, National Electronic Traders.

Takashimaya
Following the receipt of warning letters, cease and desist letters and a demand for damages regarding the sale of kettles fitted with controls infringing STRIX patents. Takashimaya have withdrawn the kettles concerned from 3 parties to date and legal processes are continuing.

2 kettle brands were involved, TAKADA TKY 200B, and TOYOMI WK 100A.

June 2003
Following recent successful actions with Hi Fi Corporation and Cash Converters, kettle importers on Singer and Amber brands respectively, Exec CJK 201 kettles as imported by Ramala (now Kay El) were removed from the market.

All three brands were assessed for electrical safety and failed to comply with local standards.

June 2003
The sale of Jin Lun (Guangzhou, China) manufactured JL 9170 kettles was discovered in Scotland distributed by Quadrant Housewares of Milton Keynes. Agreement was reached with Quadrant regarding the rejection of future deliveries. Subsequent safety assessment of these kettles by BEAB indicated the kettles were not worthy of the CE mark, and were unsafe.

June 2003
The US retailer, Wal-Mart, has been fined $750,000 US Dollars from action as a result of the sale of Weider and Weslo branded products. The action was brought by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The STRIX experience worldwide, in prosecuting safety and Intellectual Property violations related to the STRIX safety critical control systems, is that the retailer will attempt to pass any liability down the supply chain.

Clearly the retailer will find it more difficult to pass on damage to their own brand name occuring from such actions.

In the case of electric kettles STRIX recommends retailers to satisfy themselves regarding the safety and intellectual property issues rather than rely on information provided by suppliers.