Compaq + U.S. Marshals = TEAM!

[Revival]

HOUSTON, February 13, 2002 - Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) and U.S. Marshals recently seized a large number of counterfeit Compaq computer components from the premises of Hardware 4 Less—a computer parts wholesaler located in Bow, New Hampshire. Compaq had learned that Hardware 4 Less supplied counterfeit computer memory products to other wholesalers who were seeking to fulfill customer orders.

Compaq obtained a search and seizure order from the United States District Court in New Hampshire. During the seizure, large quantities of counterfeit memory boards and hard drives were seized, as well as counterfeit Compaq labels, packing materials, warranty booklets, and software licenses. Compaq will seek damages of several million dollars from Hardware 4 Less as a penalty for illegally manufacturing and distributing counterfeit Compaq products. All seized goods are now in the possession of the Federal Court in New Hampshire, where proceedings against Hardware 4 Less will continue.

"This action demonstrates Compaq's determination to stop counterfeiting of its products and to punish those who seek to profit from breaking the law," said Compaq senior vice president and general counsel Thomas C. Siekman. "We will continue to protect our customers, our authorized sales channel partners, and the Compaq brand from the damage done by sales of counterfeit products.

"Compaq is committed to maintaining the integrity of its products and the high levels of product quality and service that our customers have come to expect," said Siekman. "Companies or individuals who would attempt to counterfeit Compaq products—or illegally divert Compaq products through gray market activities—will be held accountable."

Compaq has implemented the use of security labels on products such as hard drives, memory and processors, enabling Compaq and customers to verify product authenticity and minimize the chances of duplication by counterfeiters. Features within the security labels provide covert and overt security, including a Compaq logo printed with Optically Variable ink and tamper-evident labels.

The action against Hardware 4 Less follows a similar search and seizure operation carried out by Compaq—in cooperation with U.S. Marshals, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's office—in Orange County, California last year. In that case, Dynasty Memory Inc. was the target of a search and seizure operation that resulted in the seizure of several million dollars worth of counterfeit Compaq parts, which Dynasty had manufactured and was planning to sell to the public. Dynasty paid a substantial penalty to Compaq, and its owners are under investigation by both local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Also, Compaq is pursuing—and has obtained court injunctions against—several other companies who were found to be buying and selling counterfeit Compaq products.

Nothing good ever comes from Bow anyways.. this just proves it

Man, first the weird Supermarket story now this.. welcome to New England.