As the company explains, countless Neutrik products are based on technical inventions that have set new standards and are protected by patents. In addition, design features and brand names have been registered to ensure that original Neutrik products are easily and clearly recognizable.
“We want to generate real customer added value with our products and to protect that value. That requires maintaining global patents and trademarks, which, while very costly, form an important part of our innovation culture. If our competitors now ruthlessly flout these intellectual property rights, we shall consistently take all the legal measures at our disposal to stop this,” says René Kleiner, CTO of the Neutrik Group.
Among the most frequently imitated or copied products are the XLR plugs of the XX series (e.g. the compression ring patent) as well as the speakON, powerCON and etherCON cable connectors. In addition to patent infringements, Neutrik is also responding to imitations of protected design elements (sinus wave) or the misuse of registered brand names.
"Users must be able to identify original Neutrik products in a simple and straightforward way – and must be able to rely on functionality and product quality. Consistent action against product piracy and copiers is essential and forms part of Neutrik’s corporate strategy in order to secure and justify investments in research and development," the company adds.
In order to protect Neutrik’s existing patent and trademark rights, further action is already planned for forthcoming trade fairs in addition to the instigation of legal proceedings in China.
The Neutrik Group, headquartered in Schaan/Liechtenstein, is a leading supplier of professional entertainment connector products, interconnect systems and digital wireless solutions. Neutrik manufactures a wide array of XLR connectors and receptacles, jacks and plugs, fiber optic connector systems, and accessories for a broad range of applications ranging from rock bands to lighting design and industrial equipment to broadcast solutions.
The Neutrik Group holds strategically placed subsidiaries in the United States of America, Great Britain, France, Japan, China, Hong Kong, India and Germany. A network of exclusive distributors in more than 80 countries worldwide provides global sales, technical support and distribution.
www.neutrik.com
