BRISBANE, Calif., April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Monster, a leading manufacturer of cables, headphones and consumer electronics accessories based in Brisbane, California, U.S.A., in conjunction with a member group of the United Kingdom Trading Standards Service (TSS), today announced the largest seizure ever of counterfeit Monster products in the U.K. The raid, which took place in February 2011 in England and resulted in the seizure of hundreds of counterfeit Monster products, is the result of a recently announced exclusive alliance between Monster and the TSS aimed at identifying, investigating and prosecuting criminals in the U.K. dealing in illegal product sales.

David Tognotti, Monster's General Manager & Vice President of Operations noted: "Counterfeits hurt everyone, including retailers, manufacturers, and especially consumers who don't know that the goods they purchase are not genuine. This is a crime.  We thank the TSS for protecting consumers by fighting this new crime wave. Monster's alliance with the TSS is a unique public-private effort that sets an example for law enforcement agencies and companies on how they can work together to fight the spreading cancer of counterfeit, which is costing consumers and retailers literally billions of pounds.  We need more organizations such as the TSS and Monster to join the fight against the harm counterfeits are inflicting on consumers and businesses."

Vigorous and Ongoing Anti-Counterfeit and Diversion Program in U.K.

The combination of the Monster's Global Brand Protection team's resources with those of the TSS has resulted in a vigorous and ongoing anti-counterfeit and diversion program in the U.K. Prior to the announcement of the alliance between Monster and the TSS, Monster had already assisted the TSS in several investigations and will continue working with the Service on upcoming raids in the near future.  Monster investigators in the UK and Camilla Herron, Monster's Global Brand Protection Manager, are spearheading the Monster/TSS anti-counterfeit initiative.

In addition to its U.K. effort, which included the participation of Sennheiser, a leading global manufacturer of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems, Monster is currently working with federal and state law enforcement in the U.S., as well as the EU, China, and Australia to stop the illegal and divisive 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 number of robust 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 ipinfringement@monstercable.com or 415-330-4402.

ABOUT MONSTER

Monster was founded by The 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.

SOURCE Monster