Fujifilm Seizes “Illegal” Tape Cartridges

In recent months, Fujifilm UK Ltd. has intercepted large quantities of data storage tapes being imported into the UK that both infringed the company’s trademark and more importantly were being ‘passed off’ as new. The tapes seized by Fujifilm mainly originated from the United States and seemingly were shipped as ‘new’ product.  Amongst the tapes were both Quantum and LTO format tapes which, upon examination, were found to be up to ten years old, as well as in very poor condition.

Commenting, Roger Moore, S.B.U. Manager Recording Media U.K. said: “Whoever attempted to erase all the data from the seized LTO tapes damaged the servo tracks.  In the opinion of our engineers, it would be dangerous for customers to write any data to the tapes, let alone rely on them for back-up.  The provision of the highest quality product is paramount to Fujifilm, so the matter of ‘passing off’ and infringement of trademark law is taken very seriously. We have therefore sought a number of undertakings against companies who have been found to be carrying out these activities and have successfully claimed significant damages and costs which have been settled out of court, with all Fujifilm demands being met”.

While Fujifilm is rightly proud of the quality of it’s products and will be zealous in eliminating illegal practices, we cannot be held responsible for every reseller operating in the United Kingdom.  

In order to be assured of tape quality, we therefore recommend that Fujifilm Data Storage Tapes are only purchased through our dedicated Channel Partners or authorised dealers supplied by these partners:

• Storage Partners: CCS Media Ltd., Computacenter (UK) Ltd., Iron Mountain (UK) Ltd., PMD Magnetics, XMA Ltd.
• Trade Distributors: Beta Distribution Plc., CMS Peripherals Ltd., Westcoast Ltd.
• Pro Video Partners: CCK Media Technologies Ltd., PMD Magnetics, Protape

Fujifilm cannot offer sales support or tape replacement if you experience data loss from recycled tapes.