Counterfeit Products Harm Consumers and Industry, Law Enforcement is Key
The circulation of counterfeit products in Indonesia has once again drawn attention after the Commercial Court at the Central Jakarta District Court ruled on a trademark infringement case related to the sale of counterfeit Timken-branded bearings.
The ruling affirms that the illegal distribution of branded products can lead to legal consequences while also causing losses for consumers and business actors who operate lawfully.
In Decision Number 133/Pdt.Sus-HKI/Merek/2025/PN Niaga, handed down on 9 April 2026 and now legally binding, the Central Jakarta District Court declared that The Timken Company had successfully proven the sale of counterfeit Timken-branded bearings in violation of Article 83 paragraph (1) of Law Number 20 of 2016 on Trademarks and Geographical Indications.
The court also ordered the party found to have committed the infringement to pay compensation of Rp94.61 million to Timken and to cease all activities related to the sale of counterfeit Timken-branded bearing products.
The ruling serves as a reminder that the issue of counterfeit products is not merely a violation of intellectual property rights, but also relates to consumer protection, business certainty, and the sustainability of a healthy market.
The presence of counterfeit products has the potential to cause layered losses. Consumers may obtain products of unguaranteed quality, while legitimate business actors must face competition from parties who do not adhere to the same business standards and obligations.
Ardhiyasa SH, Managing Partner of A&Co Law Office and legal counsel for The Timken Company, said the ruling is part of the company’s commitment to stopping the circulation of counterfeit bearing products in Indonesia.
“This ruling is one effort to demonstrate Timken’s commitment to stopping and eradicating the circulation of counterfeit Timken-branded bearing products in Indonesia and to protecting customers, business partners, and consumers,” said Ardhiyasa.
According to him, efforts to eradicate counterfeit products require attention not only from brand owners and law enforcement officials, but also from consumers and business actors as part of the distribution chain.
Timken also urged end-users and business actors in related fields to increase their vigilance against counterfeit bearing products or other products bearing the Timken brand that circulate through unauthorised parties.
Consumers and business actors are asked to purchase Timken-branded bearings through official distributors and to verify the identity of sellers or suppliers through Timken’s official website.
If members of the public discover suspected circulation of counterfeit products, they are also urged to report it immediately to Timken’s official distributor in Indonesia with supporting evidence.
This step is important to narrow the space for the circulation of counterfeit goods while helping brand owners and related parties take action against products suspected of violating regulations.
This case also demonstrates the importance of collaboration between brand owners, business actors, consumers, and law enforcement officials in maintaining the integrity of the Indonesian market.
Strengthening supervision of counterfeit goods is becoming increasingly important as distribution and trade networks expand, allowing products to circulate through various channels.
The Ministry of Law, through the Directorate General of Intellectual Property, destroyed 567 products using the Lacoste brand without authorisation.
The Directorate General of Intellectual Property and Customs and Excise emphasised the importance of trademark recordation to prevent counterfeit goods from entering Indonesia. Brand owners are urged to be proactive in protecting their intellectual property rights.