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"Internet penetration levels are growing quickly in our Eastern and Central European markets and the web is becoming an increasingly important marketing tool for our International division. Domain names are at the heart of our online growth strategy and are fundamental to our business. We have had great success using campaign-specific domain names to capture public interest for our Provident brand. We're confident that our online brands are in safe hands with NetNames and that we're always ready to take advantage of any new opportunities or respond to potential threats."

Alison Shield, Digital Media Manager at Provident Financial

UK flooded with fake must-have toys for Christmas

14 December 2007

Transformers - counterfeits in disguise

Stressed parents desperate to buy their children the must-have toy this Christmas are at risk of picking up potentially poisonous counterfeits from China, as a result of a flood of Optimus Prime toys being sold from the Far East into the UK, via the Internet.  During the past week alone there were 862 unofficial online auctions for the Transformers Optimus Prime Autobot, according to analysis from online brand protection specialist, NetNames.

The research, carried out through NetNames’ sister company Envisional, alarmingly revealed that more than one in five (21%) of the Transformers Optimus Prime Autobots offered was likely to be a cheaply made fake from the Far East.  Given the recent problems faced by the UK toy industry involving goods from China, this news is a further blow to consumer confidence in the run up to Christmas.  The analysis also revealed the top 10 sellers were responsible for almost a quarter (24%) of all the auctions.

The analysis also revealed that there was a wide variety of counterfeit Optimus Prime merchandise offered including masks, key rings, watches and clothing.  Similarly, more than one of four (26%) of all the associated merchandise offered in the UK, originated out of the Far East, with one trader based in Hong Kong, responsible for more than one in ten (11%) of all products offered.

Jonathan Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of NetNames, “The peak in demand for the latest sold out toys in the run up to Christmas presents the perfect opportunity for counterfeiters offering potentially lethal copies.  Consumers need to be aware of this to ensure that they get the genuine product from official retailers and major brands must also be aware of these online auctions to protect the consumers that think they are buying the real McCoy.  This is crucial for companies to maintain the trust in their brand, as the influx of counterfeit products could have a profound impact on brand reputation.?

-Ends-
Research methodology
The analysis investigated the numbers of Optimus Prime Autobot and related merchandise auctions taking place on ebay.co.uk for 80 hours between 3 and 7 December.

About NetNames
NetNames is part of London listed Group NBT plc (LSE: NBT). Through its industry leading domain name management service, NetNames Platinum Service, the company is responsible for managing and protecting online brands for international corporates, including in excess of 30% of the FTSE 100. Following the acquisition of Ascio Technologies in January 2007 NetNames became Europe’s largest domain name management specialist. The acquisition of Envisional Solutions in July 2007 added a range of market leading online brand protection services to the existing domain name management expertise.

NetNames is headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Nice, Munich, Madrid, Copenhagen, Zurich and Oslo. For further information, visit www.netnames.com/platinum