Case Study

A Sticky Situation

The Challenge.

During a targeted market intelligence initiative, Champion identified irregular activity within the industrial adhesive tape sector, specifically involving counterfeit CF tape products. Critically, early indicators suggested that counterfeiting was not limited to finished goods, but extended throughout the entire supply chain – from raw materials to downstream distribution.

Subsequent analysis revealed a highly-organised and vertically-integrated counterfeiting network operating across multiple cities in Guangdong Province. The network encompassed raw material manufacturers, coating and processing facilities, cutting workshops, warehouses, and regional distributors, demonstrating clear coordination and role differentiation across the supply chain.

Champion escalated its findings to the relevant judicial and administrative authorities, enabling a large-scale, cross-regional enforcement action. This case demonstrates Champion’s capability to uncover and dismantle complex industrial counterfeiting ecosystems, not only isolated offenders, delivering decisive outcomes for rights holders in highly technical manufacturing sectors.

Background.

During a regional market survey, Champion identified several suspicious entities involved in the processing, storage, and sale of counterfeit electrical products. These operations were spread across multiple districts and appeared to be part of a coordinated supply chain.

Key Findings.

Champion escalated the findings to the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation (AMR), which initiated a unified enforcement action with support from local Market Supervision Bureaus.

Enforcement Results.

Seizures

Authorities confiscated substantial quantities of counterfeit materials and production assets, including:

  • 70+ rolls of double-sided tape master rolls
  • 100+ rolls of double-sided tape standard rolls
  • 300+ rolls of liner master rolls
  • 2’000+ tape roll cores

Total seizure value: over RMB 22 million (US $ 3.2 million).

Criminal Judgments

Following prosecution, 9 individuals were sentenced:

  • Sentences up to 5 years and 10 months imprisonment
  • US $360’000 in fines were secured, reflecting the serious industrial scale and organised nature of the operation.

Your Champion, Your Win.

This case exemplifies Champion’s ability to penetrate deeply embedded manufacturing and supply-chain-based counterfeiting operations. By targeting every link of the illicit ecosystem — from raw materials to final distribution — Champion ensured that the network could not simply reassemble elsewhere.

Champion’s structured intelligence collection, rigorous evidence development, and effective coordination with enforcement authorities delivered a decisive enforcement outcome with lasting deterrent impact. Beyond removing counterfeit goods from the market, this action sent a strong signal across the industrial tape sector, reinforcing compliance expectations and safeguarding brand integrity.

This case stands as a clear example of how Champion converts complex market intelligence into real-world enforcement success — protecting brands, supporting authorities, and restoring order to high-risk industry segments.

Facing similar challenges?

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