LAURINBURG, N.C. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced that a seller of counterfeit golf equipment, which included fake Golf Pride® grips, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of selling illegal, counterfeit golf equipment.
An investigation by the North Carolina Secretary of State Trademark Enforcement Division uncovered a major counterfeiting operation run by Warren Fondrie and two other defendants. Fondrie pleaded guilty to 12 counts of selling counterfeit golf equipment. He will not serve the sentence as long as he complies with all the terms of his probation by paying restitution of more than $253,358 to his victims. Golf Pride and other companies whose trademarks were counterfeited are eligible to receive restitution under the terms of Fondrie’s plea agreement.
“We are pleased with the outcome of this sentence and would like to thank the state of North Carolina for its diligence in prosecuting this case,” said Jeff Fiorini, general manager for Eaton’s Golf Grip Division. “We hope this verdict will serve as a harsh deterrent against victimizing consumers with counterfeit golf grip products.”
Consumers can contact Golf Pride at ContactGolfPride@eaton.com or (1-910-277-3770) if they have any questions about the authenticity of a product or to report possible counterfeit merchandise.
Eaton’s Golf Grip Division is the world’s largest manufacturer of golf grips, with manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities on five continents. The division’s Golf Pride brand is recognized globally as the number one choice in grips among tour and recreational players, competitive amateur golfers, club manufacturers and club repairmen. For more information, visit www.golfpride.com.
Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2008 sales of $15.4 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 75,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
Contact:
Dan Koehler, (910) 277-3749
