Monster Enters Exclusive Partnership With the Trading Standards Service in Cheshire West and Chester, in the U.K., for Major Anti-Counterfeiting Effort

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Monster, a leading manufacturer of cables, headphones and consumer electronics accessories based in Brisbane, California, U.S.A., today announced that it is partnering with the Trading Standards Service in Cheshire West and Chester, in the U.K., in an exclusive alliance to fight illegal counterfeiting of Monster's high-performance products throughout the U.K. Monster and the TSS have entered into the agreement in order to work together on identifying, investigating and prosecuting criminals dealing in counterfeit Monster products.

Monster has already assisted the TSS in several ongoing investigations and will work with it on upcoming raids in the near future. The Monster/TSS anti-counterfeit initiative will be spearheaded by Monster's EMEA Gray Market Investigator Jim Mathieson of C3i Europe Ltd based in the U.K. and Camilla Herron, Monster's U.S.-based Brand Protection Manager.

David Tognotti, Monster's General Manager and Vice President of Operations noted: "The manufacture and sale of counterfeit consumer electronics products is a major concern to Monster, its retailer partners, and, of course, our customers, all over the world. We are increasing our enforcement actions to help to protect U.K. consumers from being defrauded by sellers of counterfeit products.  Our alliance with the TSS will help us ensure that when our customers make the choice to buy a Monster product they know they are getting a genuine Monster item.  By combining the resources of our Brand Protection team with those of the TSS we look forward to a vigorous anti-counterfeit and diversion program in the U.K."  We are targeting importers, distributors, and retailers of counterfeit product, including the many website businesses selling counterfeit versions of Monster products.

Vanessa Griffiths, Regulatory Services Manager, Cheshire West and Chester, said "We welcome the opportunity work with Monster and their Brand Protection Team in the fight against counterfeiting, and look forward to producing worthwhile results in the near future." 

In addition to its U.K. effort, Monster is currently working with federal and state law enforcement in the U.S., as well as the EU, and China as well to stop the manufacture and trade of counterfeit Monster products globally.  The company has been successful with recent raids and arrests of counterfeiters in China and the U.S. and has a full slate of additional anti-counterfeit investigations underway.  

Consumers with ANY information or questions regarding counterfeit products or diverted products are encouraged to contact: Camilla Herron, Brand Protection Manager – Monster Cable Products, Inc. at 415-330-4402 or [email protected].

ABOUT MONSTER

Monster was founded by Head Monster Noel Lee with a commitment to creating products under the Monster Cable® brand to literally "make music sound better." Today, Monster has grown and diversified to become the world's leading manufacturer of connectivity solutions for high-performance audio, video, car audio, computer, console and computer gaming, as well as a leading innovator in the field of iPod® and iPhone™ accessories and professional audio and sound reinforcement. As part of its commitment to improving the music listening experience, Monster worked with Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman Jimmy Iovine to create the Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ headphone line, including the Heartbeats by Lady Gaga headphones. The company is also continuing to innovate with its own line of Monster brand headphones, including "Turbine Pro™ In-Ear Speakers™," the first in-ear headphones geared for use by music professionals and audiophiles. Additionally, under its Monster Power® brand, the company is the leading manufacturer of high-performance AC power line conditioning and protection products for audio/video systems. 

Explore the world of Monster at www.monstercable.com

Visit Monsters Counterfeit Education Web Page at: www.monstercable.com/counterfeit

About Cheshire West and Chester Trading Standards Service

Chester West and Chester Trading Standards Service offers advice and information for businesses in Cheshire West and Chester regarding Trading Standards legislation such as weights and measures, food and fair trading.  The aim of the Service is to promote a fair trading environment that enables honest businesses to succeed. This is achieved through a variety of activities including the provision of advice and education for businesses and through the detection and investigation of criminal offences.

SOURCE Monster