RDL Pharmaceutical warns public to avoid using fake products
The RDL logo – the mark consits of a word RDL that means Robert D. Lim. Beside the word mark is a woman image that represents Lady Godiva characterized with four strands of hair and shaped liked number 8 that symbolizes infinity.
A multi-national pharmaceutical company has warned the public for the proliferation of fake skin care products from the dangers that they can incur to customers, prompting them to seek the help of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) here in the country and the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
In a press briefing at the Sequioa Hotel in Quezon City, RDL Pharmaceutical Laboratory Inc. Vice President for Operations Mercedita D. Lim said they seek the help of authorities because of the rampant counterfeiting of their skin care products, incurring millions of peso damage to their revenues.
“We are losing millions with this kind of crime and the safety of our customers is also at stake here. That is the very reason why we resort into getting a certificate of registration not only here in the country, but from its international counterparts,” Lim said. She also added that using counterfeited skin care products can cause a lot of hazards for the skin of the user, namely burning sensation, dryness, irritation, infection and many other potential problems.
“Our name and business reputation, which already battling neck and neck versus other counterparts for 22 years, is at stake here. So we have come up with a solution to curb trademark infringement of our products by attaining our certificate.” Lim added. The Davao-based leading beauty products manufacturer RDL recently received its certificate of registration in which the company is now recognized even in other countries like the United States of America.
Ms. Mercé Lim, VP for Operations showing the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Certification of RDL
This development came after the RDL company acquired a certificate of registration with number 1-395-786, dated March 1, 2018, for its company and its beauty line including three astringent variants, soaps, lotions, creams and colognes. RDL’s certification of registration was issued by WIPO International Bureau (Madrid), meaning the company can use and carry the name of RDL and its logo outside the country even in the US.
The WIPO certified the RDL and its logo, with the mark consists of a word mark RDL, that means Robert D. Lim, beside the word mark is a woman image that represents lady Godiva characterized with four strands of hair and shaped like number 8 that symbolizes infinity.
Besides the perils that can incur to customer’s health, selling of counterfeited products violates Republic Act 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code, which provides the legal framework for intellectual property protection in the Philippines, which into effect January 1, 1998.
RDL Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Inc.’s Executives (Left to right) Ms. Almari Joy Umbay, of Marketing, Ms. Lelane Camingawan of Legal, Ms. Mercedita D. Lim, Vice President for Operations, Ms. Leonora D. Lim, President and Chief Operating Officer and Ms. Bianca Seraspe of Research and Development with Ced Torrecarion, Operations Manager of RAMS Travel Agency and Mercé by MDCL Collections – other companies owned by the Lim’s
Trademark infringement is the unauthorized use in commerce of a registered trademark or a copy or colorable imitation thereof, which results in the likelihood of confusion among the consuming public. The elements of trademark infringement are: (1) a registered trademark in the Philippines, (2) plaintiff’s ownership of said mark, and (3) use of the trademark or imitation thereof by a third person, which results in likelihood of confusion.
Ms. Mercé Lim, licensed Pharmacist and Chemist, daughter of the President & CEO of RDL and now the Vice President for Operations of RDL and Owner of the Mercé by MDCL Collections
In 2013, the IPO-Philippines admitted that the problem of counterfeiting and piracy remains prevalent in the country despite intense government campaign and operations against it. They claimed that the problem persists because of public patronage owing to the fake items’ cheaper prices and the peoples’ preference for popular brands, causing different industries with billions of pesos’ loss in its yearly revenues.
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