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IP Enforcement and Protection

SD-3C LLC ("SD-3C") is dedicated to the enforcement and protection of its intellectual property rights (IPR). In order to protect SD-3C and its hundreds of licensees, SD-3C has implemented a robust Customs enforcement program to thwart infringement, counterfeiting and fraudulent use of its SD trademarks.

The family of SD-3C trademarks are recognized worldwide as the marks required to be used on all authorized and licensed SD memory cards, which include, but are not limited to the trademarks shown here, which are depicted with a watermark.

SD SD HC SD XC MicroSD MicroSD HC MicroSD XC

As part of SD-3C's enforcement efforts, the SD trademarks are recorded with United States Customs and Border Protection, as well as recorded with international Customs agencies in more than 25 countries around the world. Imports of counterfeit SD memory cards and SD related products are subject to detention, seizure, forfeiture and fines. In the last 12 months more than 700,000 units of counterfeit and/or trademark infringing SD products have been seized worldwide. Legal action has successfully been taken to protect SD-3C's IPR in the U.S., Germany, France, Taiwan and China.

In addition, due to the proliferation of counterfeit goods offered for sale within internet commerce websites (e.g., Alibaba, Allegro, Amazon, eBay, etc.), SD-3C engages in web search services to detect and immediately remove listings offering the sale of unauthorized and unlicensed counterfeit SD memory cards and SD related host/ancillary products using the SD trademarks. In the last 12 months, over 16,000 listings have been removed and the infringing firms face the possibility of legal action.

Since the initiation of SD-3C's enforcement efforts in 2008, the estimated retail value of counterfeit SD products seized by Customs' authorities approaches $40,000,000.

The estimated retail value of SD trademark infringing products removed from internet commerce websites is more than $360,000,000.

Preventing these goods from entering the market place and removing infringing trademarks, gives legally licensed companies an increased opportunity to enhance their memory card business and protects consumers of SD memory card products from purchasing counterfeits.

All of these actions by SD-3C contribute to a "leveling of the playing field" to the benefit of SD-3C licensees and consumers and to the detriment of companies illegally selling SD cards and SD related host/ancillary products.