Hologram Manufacturers Association of India

VIGILANT CUSTOMERS CAN HELP TRACE COUNTERFEITERS

Carefully examine the Hologram affixed on the product or its packaging.

• Read the Hologram & its image features written on the product’s packaging, which may include information about the:-
  • Logo/ Trademark/ Design,
  • Hologram shape, size, colour of protective coating on the sticker,
  • Image text/ features in the Foreground/ Midground/ Background of the image
  • Image Type (2D, 2D- 3D, 3D), Colors, Animation (horizontal/ vertical), Image switching on/off on viewing at angles, Micro Lettering, Repeating Pattern/Text etc.
• Hold the hologram against the light source at 45° angle (that will not cast your shadow onto the hologram. Tilting the hologram in either direction, different virtual layers/planes/ depth can be seen with different parts of the image, text/logo/design, movement/ animation and colours etc as per information on the package. For Example: in case of HoMAI logo:-

IF SUSPECTING A LOOK-ALIKE HOLOGRAM OR THE PRODUCT QUALITY:-

• Identify the vendor location or store where you bought it. Preserve the Cash Memo or Receipt.
• Try to know the source of its distribution/ manufacture, and collect as much information as possible to assist the genuine manufacturer to initiate proper investigation.
• Report to the company in writing.
  • Company coordinates with the police for raids/ arrests and seizure of counterfeit/ spurious/ pass-off goods
  • Depending upon the conclusiveness of your information report, many a times the brand-conscious manufacturer may even handsomely reward the duped customer

IN GENERAL, CAREFULLY READ THE LABELS AND WATCH FOR:-

• Products or packaging lacking manufacturer’s codes, trademarks and/or copyrights, Country of Origin Identification and other marks you normally find on your favourite products.
• Packaging with misspelling of words or altered product names, blurred/ inconsistent lettering/ colors, mismatched labelling or ripped labels.
• Drastic changes in product content, colour, smell, or packaging without prior notice from the legitimate manufacturer
• Check the quality, quantity, trade value of the product
• Products that are not made by the manufacturer listed.
• If no manufacturer is listed, definitely suspect the product Products with unusual claims and warranties
• The price and location often are the easiest ways to identify counterfeit consumer goods.
  Items well below market prices could be imitations - inferior in quality & performance.
• Always buy from an authorized reseller or a reputed shop. Insist on receiving a bill/ cash memo / receipt - especially if suspecting problem with the product
• Name Brand products sold at Ad Hoc Fairs/ Exhibitions Street Festivals (unless hosted directly by the product manufacturer), Flea Markets, Swap Meets, or even House/Office Parties claiming to be the discontinued designs, overstock, irregulars or “seconds” with minor cosmetic flaws, savings from eliminating the middleman etc may sound logical and seem to apparently explains or justify the “bargain prices”. The more familiar you are with the brand, the easier it is to note whether there is missing information.
• If buying online, do some research into sellers by making sure that consumer information numbers or toll free phone numbers and addresses are provided. Call these places before ordering if you feel uncertain