Musica disappointed by ruling

2008-07-09 15:39

Johannesburg - Musica has reacted with disappointment at the outcome of the court case in which it was found guilty of being negligent in not taking reasonable steps to verify the authenticity of 68 Sony Playstation 2 controllers and memory cards sold in two of its stores in March 2007.

The court did not find Musica guilty of intent to sell counterfeit goods.

David Kneale, group chief executive of New Clicks, said Musica believes it followed due process in approving the credentials of the supplier, Dolphin Enterprises, and trusted the supplier to provide authentic product.

"The initial product purchased from Dolphin Enterprises was authentic Sony merchandise imported into the country. Some controllers and memory cards subsequently purchased turned out to be counterfeit.

"As soon as there was an allegation that the products were not original we withdrew all Sony Playstation 2 controllers and memory cards for external verification. All items found to be counterfeit were destroyed. At the time we advised customers that they could exchange any of these products found to be defective."

Dolphin Enterprises recently pled guilty in a Durban court and was fined for supplying counterfeit goods. Musica has instituted proceedings against Dolphin Enterprises.

Kneale said Musica is totally opposed to the sale of non-authentic merchandise as well as piracy within the music and entertainment industry.

"We would like to assure our customers that we guarantee that all product in Musica is authentic."

Following this incident Musica has further reviewed its processes to ensure that this does not happen again.

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