Navitar (Rochester, NY) announced that it had won a series of legal victories in Chinese courts against several metrology machine makers. The company said it had won lawsuits against the companies for income tax evasion, smuggling to avoid import duties and value-added tax, and false advertising. Navitar CEO Julian Goldstein, speaking during a press conference at the company's manufacturing facility, credited success to the aid of New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, the International Trade Administration, and the U.S. Embassy in China.
Goldstein said, “Navitar was targeted because of our global success in the automated inspection industry. Our video microscope lenses are sold to multinational technology companies like Apple and used to ensure the quality of their components, sub-assemblies, and finished products, which are made at Foxconn manufacturing factories in China.”
He added that Navitar has been under constant attack by a multitude of dishonest business practices in China including the counterfeiting of its video microscope product line. Mr. Goldstein noted, “We have a long history of doing business in China. I knew it would be too difficult to win a counterfeiting lawsuit against these Chinese companies, so we needed another way to expose their unlawful actions.”
Goldstein contacted Rep. Slaughter’s office for assistance. “We quickly connected the team at Navitar with experts from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the International Trade Administration, and the U.S. Embassy. With their guidance, experts working with Navitar developed a legal strategy that resulted in rare wins against Chinese companies, including several victories that were just handed down,” reported the Congresswoman.
“Instead of hitting them head on with counterfeiting claims, we used a tactic I call the “Five Fires Method,” stated Goldstein. “We uncovered every illegal activity these companies were engaging in, setting small fires from every direction. We alerted and provided evidence to the Chinese government resulting in numerous fines and penalties for income tax evasion, import duty and VAT smuggling, and false advertising. As a result of our victories, I am pleased to say that the doors are open once again for our legitimate Chinese dealers and OEM customers to compete and prosper in this marketplace”.
Navitar exports optical components from its Rochester manufacturing facility to over 45 countries. Exports to China have doubled this year. In addition to their New York headquarters the company has manufacturing facilities in California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
Source: Navitar