Toronto, ON – CSA International, a world-leading, certification and testing organization, has announced it has expanded its anti-counterfeiting initiatives to protect the integrity of its registered CSA trademarks.

“CSA’s anti-counterfeiting initiatives reflect a growing coordination of efforts to eliminate the practice of counterfeit activities in the global marketplace,” said Timothy Trainer, President of the International Anti-Counterfeit Coalition (IACC). “Counterfeiting has become a very serious problem for both manufacturers and certification organizations world-wide, and we applaud CSA for taking these initiatives to help deter this type of activity.”

Illegal use of CSA marks occur when they are applied to products, packaging or advertising media without a formal license agreement with CSA. As part of its initiative to combat this problem, Manny Gratz, an employee of CSA Group for over 20 years, has been appointed to the newly created position of Manager, Special Investigations and Anti-Counterfeiting Coordinator.

“Manny is the ideal candidate to fulfill this role,” said R.J. Falconi, Vice-President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. “Because of his experience with CSA International’s Field Service Department and CSA’s Audits and Investigations Department, Manny has developed the excellent analytical and investigative skills, necessary to manage this important responsibility.”

CSA International also practices a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude towards counterfeiting of its registered certification marks and has committed resources to prosecute counterfeiters found to be in violation of this policy. As well, CSA has enhanced its marketplace surveillance of various commercial outlets, trade events and flea markets, and continues to develop information sources from manufacturers, regulators and consumers.

“This fraudulent, deceptive and illegal practice can create public health and safety risks and could cause liability with the legitimate owners of the trademarks,” said Doug Geralde, Director, Corporate Audits and Investigations, a part of CSA’s legal department. CSA is also working with Canadian and U.S. customs officials on identification and seizure initiatives.

CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in Canada, the U.S. and around the world, CSA’s marks appear on millions of products annually. CSA International is a division of CSA Group which consists of CSA International, the Canadian Standards Association, a developer of standards and codes, and QMI for management systems registration.