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NBA Cautions Basketball Fans about Counterfeit All-Star Game Merchandise
NEW ORLEANS-(Business Wire)-February 13, 2008 - When the NBA All-Star Game visits New Orleans this week, unsuspecting basketball fans from around the country will be targeted by counterfeiters attempting to sell illegal and poorly produced knock-off NBA merchandise. Potential victims will range from authorized retailers in the New Orleans area to basketball fans who believe they're purchasing authentic NBA souvenirs, only to later learn they've obtained counterfeit merchandise of inferior quality.
Since 1993, the NBA - through its membership in the Coalition to Advance the Protection of Sports logos (CAPS) - has been involved in the seizure of more than nine million pieces of counterfeit merchandise featuring the logos of various professional sports leagues and teams, colleges and universities - valued at more than $329 million. Such counterfeiting often occurs around large sporting events like NBA All-Star 2008, taking place in New Orleans from February 15-17.
"The NBA insists upon the highest quality products, to protect both our authorized vendors and our fans," said Ayala Deutsch, senior vice president & chief intellectual property counsel for the NBA. "Counterfeiting is a lose-lose situation, harming those retailers who play by the rules and cheating fans out of the lasting NBA mementos they deserve."
To avoid being victimized by counterfeiters, Deutsch urges basketball fans to:
— Look for the hologram sticker or holographic hangtag and a sewn-in or screen printed neck label identifying the merchandise as "genuine" or "official," as authorized by the NBA.
— Shop at NBA-authorized retail locations, such as the NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans Arena, NBA Store on 52nd & 5th Avenue in New York City, NBAStore.com and official hotels - rather than buying items from street vendors, flea markets, or other questionable sources.
— Beware of ripped tags or irregular markings on apparel.
"But if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is," added Deutsch.
In addition to misleading consumers who believe they are buying legitimate memorabilia, counterfeiting significantly harms lawful vendors through lost business.
Security at all NBA events will be tight this week and the NBA will be working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement authorities, who will be responsible for security measures including the enforcement of local laws prohibiting the sale of counterfeit merchandise during NBA All-Star 2008 events.
About CAPS:
The Coalition to Advance the Protection of Sports logos (CAPS) is an alliance formed by The Collegiate Licensing Company, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., NBA Properties, Inc., NFL Properties LLC, and NHL Enterprises, L.P. in 1992 to address common trademark protection and enforcement matters of its members. For more information, call 1-800-TEL-CAPS (835-2277) or visit www.capsinfo.com.
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