Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia, the legal counsel of Schneider Electric, has filed a criminal complaint against Gecel Engineering & Services and Alta Volt Industrial Corp. after finding thousands of suspected counterfeit electrical products in their respective warehouses in Quezon City and Bulacan province.
The raid, carried out in November 2025 by the NBI together with Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia, targeted Gecel in Quezon City and Alta Volt in Bulacan. During the operations, authorities confiscated suspected counterfeit building and residential circuit breakers and panel boards bearing registered trademarks. According to the NBI, the seized items do not comply with safety and quality standards required for electrical devices sold in the country. A criminal complaint was subsequently filed for violation of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code against the establishments for alleged counterfeit Schneider Electric electrical products.
“Counterfeit electrical products are a danger to the public because they can lead to electrical faults, fires, and other hazards,” the NBI Technical Intelligence Division said. “The Bureau will continue to pursue individuals and businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of counterfeit goods that endanger consumers and violate Philippine intellectual property laws.”
Circuit breakers play a critical role in electrical safety by preventing overloads and reducing fire risks in homes, offices, and industrial facilities. The proliferation of counterfeit variants undermines consumer protection efforts and exposes the public to serious harm.
Schneider Electric, the registered trademark owner, cooperated fully with the NBI during the enforcement operations and provided technical expertise to authenticate the seized products. As a global leader in energy management and automation, Schneider Electric reiterates its commitment to trust, safety, and the integrity of electrical infrastructure. The company maintains strict global standards to ensure that genuine products meet rigorous safety and quality requirements.
“Consumer safety is at the heart of our mission,” Schneider Electric said. “We will continuously work with the authorities like the NBI in identifying and removing counterfeit goods and ensuring that only safe, high-quality products reach Filipino consumers.”
The NBI urges consumers, contractors, and suppliers to procure electrical products only from authorized and legitimate distributors. The Bureau also warns businesses against selling uncertified or infringing electrical components, emphasizing that legal action will be taken against violators.
“These enforcement operations demonstrate our steadfast commitment to protecting the public,” the NBI Technical Intelligence Division said. “We will continue to pursue counterfeiters, safeguard consumers, and uphold the law.”
If you wish to know more on how to enforce your IP, you may reach out to:
Carlo B. Valerio, Partner
Head, IP Enforcement and Investigation
Email: cb.valerio@cruzmarcelo.com
Mobile: 09176284971
Tel. No.: +632 8810 5858