Photo: SSAB

Unauthorized products bearing the Hardox® trademark had serious quality defects that posed risks to buyers who believed they were purchasing genuine SSAB-manufactured wear plates.

Following a recent investigation and trial in India, two companies in the Mumbai area admitted to trademark infringement and trafficking, both of which seriously violated SSAB's intellectual property rights.

The companies not only paid exemplary damages but were also permanently banned and ordered to stop using the infringing marks. They also made a public and unconditional apology to SSAB.

Protecting customers from counterfeiting in the Middle East

Every month, SSAB successfully removes hundreds of website links, online marketplaces, and social media pages in India and China offering counterfeit products or falsely claiming to sell genuine Hardox® wear plates. These products are often exported to the Middle East and the rest of the world at very low prices.

Hardox® wear plate is a high-quality premium product known for its exceptional hardness and toughness. Its guaranteed properties ensure outstanding performance, making it the market leader in wear resistance — and, of course, it’s not cheap.

The simple rule is that if an offer seems too good to be true, it is probably counterfeit steel.

Counterfeit product is not a genuine equivalent

According to SSAB, buying counterfeits can have serious consequences:

• Counterfeit steel is often of lower quality and therefore less durable, leading to repeated repairs, replacements, and increased maintenance costs.
• Inferior materials can compromise structural integrity, increasing the risk of failures and accidents.
• Use of counterfeit steel can lead to lawsuits, fines, or other regulatory consequences.
• The production methods of counterfeit products often fail to meet sustainability standards, resulting in increased pollution and waste.

Hardox® wear plates are only available from SSAB and SSAB-certified suppliers.

Vaula Aunola