Lamptron Warns of Counterfeit Products

Stories about the sale of counterfeit products are a dime a dozen, but it’s not often that we have of one involving traditional PC components. Lamptron, maker of some of the highest-regarded fan controllers, has just discovered that it’s a victim of counterfeiting, and the company is doing all it can to spread the word.

While knock-off purses or jewelry are unlikely to pose a real threat to you or your family, PC components are a different story. Even well-respected companies can at times take the low-road and choose components that don’t really live up to expected standards, and it goes without saying that with counterfeit equivalents, that fact is even more true.

Being a product that handles a lot of power from within a PC, a poorly-designed fan controller runs the risk of short-circuiting or catching fire. Lamptron understands this all too well, and has made a statement regarding the recent discovery. A selected quote is as follows:

As of January 2012 we have been made aware of the presence of imitation products designed to mimic the look and function of official Lamptron brand products on the retail market. These reproductions have been made with unauthorized use of Lamptron production parts and designs, along with competing materials that may or may not be made of the same quality as used by official Lamptron production parts. We cannot be responsible for any present risk to the consumer and the hazards these products pose as cannot be overestimated, as these products are not tested and approved by Lamptron certified technicians. Each patented Lamptron design meets or exceeds safety and environmental regulations of each individual country in which we do business.

The statement doesn’t go into detail about how these counterfeit products are being built with Lamptron’s IP, or which markets are affected. The company is taking the issue so seriously, however, that it’s even extending an offer to media outlets to visit its factory in China to take a look around and to meet Lamptron’s owner, all on the company’s expense. That’s what I call taking things seriously.

Good luck in this battle, Lamptron.