The Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling that could serve as a strong warning to companies dealing in counterfeit goods. China New Future (Uganda) Ltd has been ordered to pay Shs 20 million in damages to global tech giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) for selling fake HP toner cartridges.
The court found that the company had been producing and distributing counterfeit toner cartridges bearing the HP brand—a serious trademark infringement. The appellate judges agreed with an earlier decision by the High Court, confirming that China New Future knowingly violated HP’s intellectual property rights.
In addition to the fine, the court directed that all fake HP cartridges in the company’s possession be destroyed.
“This is a significant win, not just for HP but for all companies that invest heavily in their brand and product quality,” said a legal expert familiar with the case. “It sends a clear message that trademark violations won’t be taken lightly.”
Counterfeit printer supplies can cause damage to machines and often deliver poor print quality, leaving consumers unknowingly paying for substandard products.
The ruling highlights the growing efforts by both international brands and local authorities to clamp down on counterfeit goods in Uganda, which not only harm businesses but also mislead consumers.
For HP, the decision is a vindication of its ongoing global fight against product counterfeiting.
