Authorities in Luganville have destroyed 300 cartons of mackerel tin fish branded with the name “TIKTOK,” a trademark registered under Vanuatu’s Intellectual Property system.
The destruction took place today at the Luganville dumpsite following a joint operation by the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office (VANIPO) and the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Department.
VANIPO reported that the products were discovered earlier this year in a Chinese-owned shop in Luganville. The office confirmed that “TIKTOK” is a registered trademark in Vanuatu, and they had not authorized its use on this product.
Customs seized the goods under Section 65 and Section 187(2) of the Customs Act No. 7 of 2013. According to Customs Regulation Order No. 113 of 2014, Unit 47(4), the Director of Customs has the authority to destroy any goods deemed unfit for use.
Authorities said the shop owner was given time to appeal the decision, but no appeal was lodged. As a result, the 300 cartons were destroyed and disposed of today at the Luganville dumpsite.
VANIPO says it will continue working closely with Customs to monitor imported goods and protect copyright and trademark rights, ensuring Vanuatu’s Intellectual Property laws remain strong.
