In the UK, the City of London's Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit recently conducted raids at a number of business and residential premises in Oxfordshire and South Wales relating to the supply of counterfeit versions of the 3M Paint Preparation System (PPS) products. 

Three people were arrested on suspicion of money laundering, conspiracy to defraud and trademark offences with more than 2,500 boxes of suspected counterfeit products seized.

An investigation started after 3M UK received reports of quality problems on certain products. Analysis found the items in question to be counterfeit copies and authorities were altered.

As yet there are no reports of counterfeit 3M products in Ireland, but stockist and bodyshops should be on their guard, check product packaging carefully and only buy from authorised sources. Distributors of 3M products who have purchased supplies of the 3M Paint Preparation System from sources other than 3M and have concerns about the potential authenticity are urged to contact their 3M representative.

Steve Hemmings, business director for 3M's Industrial Business Group, says:  "We take the quality of our products and the integrity of our supply chain very seriously.  We will provide every assistance to the City of London Police as they investigate this matter.” He added, “3M continually innovates to ensure its customers benefit from top quality products that help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their operations.  Globally, we invested some $1.7 billion in R&D in 2013 and we work hard to protect our intellectual property to ensure customers can be confident in the integrity of our products.”