DJKI Destroys Evidence of Counterfeit Lacoste Brand Violations Worth Nearly IDR 1 Billion

The Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) under the Ministry of Law has destroyed 567 pieces of evidence from a Lacoste trademark infringement case, with an estimated economic value reaching nearly IDR 1 billion. The destruction follows the resolution of the trademark violation handled by Civil Service Investigators (PPNS) of DJKI and demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and maintaining a healthy and fair trading climate. Director General of Intellectual Property, Hermansyah Siregar, explained that the activity was a follow-up to the handling of the infringement case, which was resolved through a peace mechanism between PT Terra Store and Lacoste. He stated that the case resolution was carried out to provide protection and legal enforcement of intellectual property. This protection is not only for rights holders but also to create legal certainty, maintain fair business competition, protect consumers, and encourage a conducive investment climate. “More than just destroying evidence, this activity shows that the state is present to safeguard the integrity of the intellectual property system, provide legal certainty for business actors, and strengthen public and international trust in Indonesia’s intellectual property protection system,” Hermansyah said in a written statement on Monday (22/6). Meanwhile, DJKI’s Director of Law Enforcement, Arie Ardian Rishadi, explained that the destroyed evidence consisted of 135 jerseys, 42 training pants, 25 jackets, 204 shirts, 32 sweaters, 9 polo t-shirts, 91 t-shirts, and 29 boxers. All these items have now been destroyed as part of the implementation of the parties’ agreement, which has obtained legal certainty. Arie stated that based on calculations using the retail price of similar genuine products on the market, the total evidence had an estimated economic value of around IDR 940.4 million. This value indicates the significant potential losses that could arise if products using the trademark without rights were circulated in the community. “This destruction of evidence is not merely an administrative obligation, but a concrete step to prevent greater losses for trademark owners, consumers, and the business world,” said Arie. “Trademark infringement not only harms the rights owner but also has the potential to mislead consumers and disrupt fair business competition,” he explained. Furthermore, Arie emphasised that a trademark is an intellectual property asset with high economic value because it represents the quality, reputation, investment, and trust built by the rights holder over many years. Therefore, he stressed, trademark protection is an important part of creating a conducive and competitive business ecosystem. DJKI reaffirmed its commitment to providing protection for intellectual property rights and ensuring that every violation is handled professionally, proportionally, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions. DJKI also appreciated the cooperative attitude of the parties who respected the legal process and implemented all peace agreements properly. “Therefore, DJKI urges business actors to always ensure that trademark use is carried out legally and does not violate the rights of other parties,” said Arie. “The public is also encouraged to purchase genuine products as a form of support for intellectual property protection and the creation of fair business competition. Trademark protection can be obtained by registering the trademark through DJKI to gain exclusive rights and legal certainty over its use,” he continued. Going forward, Arie mentioned that DJKI will continue to strengthen synergy with rights holders, law enforcement officials, relevant ministries and agencies, and all stakeholders to create a safe, healthy, and competitive intellectual property ecosystem. This step is considered in line with the government’s efforts to drive national economic growth based on innovation and creativity. “DJKI also encourages the public who wish to file complaints and mediation regarding intellectual property violation cases to do so via the website pengaduan.dgip.go.id,” Arie stated.