OEM Counterfeit Solar Modules Exported Overseas: Company and Controller Both Sentenced

WISECODE Take

Many business owners mistakenly believe that manufacturing OEM products overseas for direct export without local sales does not constitute trademark infringement. In this case, the defendants counterfeited a well-known solar enterprise's trademark for export, resulting in criminal penalties for both the company and its actual controller. Although specific case numbers and fines await further disclosure, this ruling signals tighter cross-border enforcement. For Taiwanese brand owners, this is an opportunity to protect overseas markets, and trademark monitoring services can help intercept counterfeits at customs. For OEM factories, failing to verify overseas clients' trademark authorizations could lead to criminal complicity. We recommend that OEMs demand trademark certificates and written authorizations for both the manufacturing and export countries, while brand owners should register trademarks and record them with customs in both locations.