On October 10 2007, imitation Honda general purpose engines were destroyed before students and faculty of the De La Salle University in Bacolod City in compliance with the order of regional trial court judge Roberto Chiongson. The infringing engines, which bore the same shape and colour as the Honda engines, were seized by the National Bureau of Investigation by virtue of search warrants issued by Judge Chiongson on June 22 2005, against three establishments in Bacolod and Iloilo cities. While under preliminary investigation by the Department of Justice, the owner of the raided establishment issued an undertaking to cease and desist from dealing in Honda engines look-alikes, issue public apologies in national newspapers, agree to periodic inspection of his establishments, surrender the imitation Honda engines for destruction, and other commitments. Honda Motor Co Ltd and Honda Philippines Inc accepted these pledges. To ensure that none of the parts of the engines would be re-used, the destruction activity started with dismantling their removable parts, then using acetylene torches to cut the metal block, and lastly manually pounding of the broken parts. The destruction was scheduled in October to celebrate IPR month, and was highlighted with a series of talks on intellectual property held in the university.

Editha R Hechanova

Hechanova Bugay & Vilchez
GF Chemphil Building Antonio Arnaiz Ave
Makati City 1223
Philippines
Tel: +63 2 888 4293
Fax: +63 2 888 4290
editharh@info.com.ph