An LG official compares genuine Tone+ headsets to fake products. [Courtesy of LG]
LG's "Tone+" Bluetooth is renowned as one of the bestselling wireless headsets but its copycats have been produced in every corner of the world, prompting the tech giant to warn of strong legal actions.
"We have uncovered about 4,000 sellers who distributed fake Tone+ headsets since 2014," an LG official told reporters, adding police and customs authorities have seized about 40,000 imitations worth 50 billion won (4.4 million US dollars) so far. Since 2010, LG has sold over 20 million units worldwide. Boosted by brisk smartphone sales, the device is popular especially among US and Chinese consumers.
Tone+ can be verified with special hologram stickers, LG said, adding counterfeit items would not be eligible for after services, citing the danger of possible battery explosions.
LG said it was taking strong actions to protect intellectual property rights and innocent consumers who could see unexpected damage without knowing their devices are fake.
Park Sae-jin = swatchsjp@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
