iPhone market chaotic as Apple cracks down on fake phones

Privately run shops which distribute iPhones through unofficial channels are concerned about Apple's recent announcements on warranties and intellectual property copyright.



Apple has taken serious measures in recent days to stabilize iPhone selling prices in the Vietnamese market: it has released an ‘ultimatum’ to privately run shops and stopped providing warranties to products not imported directly from the manufacturer.

Privately run shops in HCMC have received a letter, with a warning about intellectual property infringement, from VOTRA, the legal representative of Apple in Vietnam

In the letter, VOTRA said that brands and logos of Apple, iPhone, Apple Store, iPad and iPod all have been registered by the US manufacturer in Vietnam and its intellectual property is protected by Vietnamese laws.

Therefore, iOS device distribution shops using the brands and logos to advertise products without Apple’s consent is the infringement of intellectual property.

The document pointed out that the shops sell Apple’s products, but the products are not genuine but counterfeit products or products imported to Vietnam, not through Apple’s distribution channels. This has led to a misunderstanding that the shops are authorized resellers.

Apple Vietnam was established in November 2015, headquartered at 6th Floor of Me Linh Point Building, No 2 Ngoc Duc Ke Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.

Apple said that Apple devices will not receive the manufacturer’s official warranty if users cannot show the bills of sale (SN/IMEI) from authorized resellers worldwide.

In late 2016, iPhone users complained that their devices were suddenly locked. Meanwhile, many iPhones could not be used after users performed line 2 reset operation.

Apple is applying tough policies to protect its brand and reputation in Vietnam. This could be seen as a warning for people against buying iPhones without clear origin.

In its letter, VOTRA asked privately run shops to stop the illegal use of Apple’s brands and trademarks within seven days after they receive the document.

The shops have also been asked to stop the sale of fake products and products with no clear origin.

Mai Trieu Nguyen, director of Mai Nguyen Luxury, an authorized reseller in Vietnam, applauding Apple’s moves, said that the illegal use of Apple’s brands and logos will mislead users and affect the operation of authorized distribution chains.

The representative of FPT Shop said that Apple’s moves will benefit customers, because customers will feel more secure when buying Apple’s products. Only authorized resellers will have Apple’s logo, while the products with no clear origin will be eliminated because they bring risks despite lower prices.

Hai Ha / vietnamnet