MANILA, Philippines - Crocs Inc., the American company that manufactures Crocs footwear, has launched a "massive crackdown" against fake Crocs shoes in the Philippines.

In a press statment, the company said the Philippines has become a hotspot for fake Crocs.

The company aims to halt the manufacture of fake Crocs shoes in Asia, with China as the possible source for fake shoes.

The crackdown began with various raids in warehouses, stalls and malls in bargain hotspots like Tondo, Binondo, 168 store in Divisoria, Greenhills and St. Francis Square.

Atty. Raymond Roland R. Rojas, legal counsel for Crocs Inc., said authorities seized over P71 million worth of fake Crocs merchandise, including footwear, shirts and accessories.

Similar raids will be conducted in Zamboanga, Iloilo, Batangas, Boracay, Pampanga and Cagayan de Oro.

Rojas said Crocs Inc., based in Colorado, believes the fake shoes come from China using moulds, steel casings and other shoe components stolen from its plant in China where original Crocs shoes are made.

He also said that 1 to 3 traders based in the Philippines could be importing the fake Crocs and stashing them in rented houses in Manila prior to distribution.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has yet to file formal charges of trademark infringement and unfair competition against these traders.

The Bureau of Customs was also asked to monitor importation activities more closely.

Spot the difference

Aside from penalizing manufacturers of fake Crocs, the company issued warnings and notices to consumers as early as October 2009.

The company warned against buying couterfeit Crocs products.

Crocs are sold through a limited number of authorized dealers, particularly its Crocs concept stores nationwide.

Original Crocs are sold at a price range of P1,200 to P4,000 for a pair while fake ones sell as cheap as P50.

Original ones also bear marking of the model style and size at the sole, while fake ones do not have those details.

Further, original Crocs are made with a specific fiber called croslite and hence are of a different texture and color than fake ones.

Both fake and original Crocs have bar codes imprinted during mass production.

Rojas said that compared to similarly popular Havaianas thong slippers, which have been faked as well, Crocs is "hit harder" because of its distinct style and make.

Crocs, originally meant as waterproof boating and gardening clogs, quickly became popular after its ergonomic benefits were discovered.

The clunky and candy-colored shoes, made from soft and anti-bacterial materials, became a hot fashion item in 2007 more because of comfort than design.

The company later introduced more streamlined and fashion-forward designs like Mary Janes, strappy wedge heels and sling-back ballet flats along with its "Jibbitz" accessories for children.

Rojas said the faking of Crocs has "resulted in brand confusion, trademark infringement and unfair competition."

Last year, Crocs Inc. earned $198 million in the second quarter of 2009 alone. The company expected to generate $150 to $160 million at the last quarter of 2009.