July 6, 2005 Imagine finding that a product that looks identical to your own best selling product has been recalled nationally across the entire United States market and is getting massive publicity accordingly – publicity that can only impact badly on your brand. That’s what happened earlier this week and prompted Daka Developments to issue press statements to the effect that the recalled product was NOT their product – the Sea-Doo Seascooter. It certainly looks like it though – that’s the real Bombardier Recreational Products Sea-Doo Seascooter at the top.
The press announcement read: “Daka Development Ltd. wishes to inform the public that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of ''Aqua Water Scooters'' imported by CSK Auto Inc. of Phoenix Arizona, U.S.A. and these water scooters appear to be a direct copy of DAKA's Sea-Doo Seascooter. The Company is presently consulting its legal counsel to determine whether there has been any infringement of its Intellectual Property Rights.”
“DAKA regards the infringement of its Intellectual Property Rights very seriously and is vigorously protecting them around the world. Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP Inc.), owner of the Sea-Doo brand has been notified and will investigate accordingly to determine if there are any trademark violations.”
“The Sea-Doo Seascooter line is positioned as the market leader in the recreational diver propulsion vehicle industry and DAKA has been manufacturing and distributing the products for the past three years globally.”
Mr Mah, executive chairman of DAKA said: ''At DAKA, we take the violation of our Intellectual Property Rights very seriously and would go all out to stop the proliferation of such products.'' He further added: "We produce innovative and quality product solutions to address the needs of our global consumers and would uphold the utmost quality assurance synonymous with the Sea-Doo brand."