Press release received today:
SQUARE D FILES SUIT AGAINST BREAKERS UNLIMITED
FOR SELLING COUNTERFEIT SQUARE D® PRODUCTS
PALATINE, Ill - June 25, 2007 - Square D®, best known in the United States as the flagship brand for the Schneider Electric North American Operating Division, announced today that it has filed suit against Breakers Unlimited, Inc. of Noblesville, Indiana in the United States District Court in Indianapolis, Indiana. The lawsuit asserts that Breakers Unlimited, a nationwide wholesale distributor of electrical equipment, has knowingly sold counterfeit Square D circuit breakers and has infringed Square D's trademarks in violation of federal law. Square D seeks to enjoin Breakers Unlimited's continued distribution of counterfeit products and seeks to recover profits made by Breakers Unlimited on its sales of counterfeit products, along with treble damages, attorney fees and costs. "Square D has every intention of pursuing counterfeiters up and down the distribution chain. We'll stop at nothing to preserve the integrity of our products and protect innocent customers from the serious health and safety hazards associated with counterfeit products," said Bill Snyder, vice president channel development for Schneider Electric North American Operating Division. "Through this lawsuit and others like it, Square D has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to prevent counterfeiting and protect Square D's customers, trademarks and designs." "Distributors need to be aware that there are hidden and potentially deadly hazards associated with counterfeit circuit breakers being distributed on the market today," said Jim Pauley, vice president of industry and government relations for Schneider Electric North American Operating Division. "By identifying counterfeit products and reporting counterfeiters, distributors can save lives." In order to prevent the potential purchase of counterfeit products, customers should continue to purchase their Square D products from authorized Square D distributors. Authorized distributors have the skill, expertise and know-how to provide customers with authentic Square D products and services that meet their needs and specifications. Square D is a market-leading global brand of Schneider Electric for National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA) type electrical distribution and industrial control products, systems and services. Square D products are found in all types of residential, commercial and industrial construction, in a wide range of manufacturing and processing facilities, and in or on the products of other manufacturers. Any inquiries related to the lawsuit or to obtain a copy of the lawsuit, contact Stephen Litchfield, Assistant General Counsel, Square D Company, Palatine, Illinois at 847-925-3516.
