REELEX Packaging Solutions is embarking on an anti-counterfeiting campaign aimed at educating installers on the perils of using knock-off REELEX packaging systems and non-compliant cables. The company also vows to continue to pursue measures against wire and cable brands that violate its patents and trademarks.
REELEX’s Tip Copp
REELEX is a patented, trademarked method of winding cable into a figure-eight coil that does not rotate during payout. This approach dates back to World War II, as a method for American soldiers on the front lines to more efficiently run wire from their backpacks. Today, the REELEX coil hugely benefits bulk cartons of LAN and low-voltage cables across AV, security, and electrical channels, most especially for installers conducting one-man wire-pulls.
In optimizing each REELEX coil, factors such as gain, payout hole control, and the density of the wind, along with progressive coil tension, are all instrumental in producing tangle-free packages. Void of any moving parts, the REELEX coil dispenses from the inside out with a clear path, thus avoiding the twists, tangles and snags that plague knockoff bulk wire cartons. This unique coil can only be produced via unique, licensed software on a specialized REELEX machine purchased by a wire or cable manufacturer.
“Counterfeit boxes do not use the same technology as our licensees use,” said Timothy Copp, vice president of business development at REELEX. “It is important that the installer understands there are genuine REELEX boxes and there are knock-off boxes, and when the package isn’t genuine, it’s very likely the cable isn’t either. This leads to problematic wire-pulls, and inferior cable leads to the installer potentially having to re-wire the job in the future.”
“The best way for an installer to know he or she is using genuine REELEX technology is to look for the REELEX trademark printed on the box. “The contract with our licensees says that the REELEX mark is required to be printed on all boxes utilizing REELEX technology,” said Copp. “This is to clearly identify to the installer that he or she is unquestionably getting a genuine product that will work as intended. It also assists REELEX in legally bringing potential infringement cases to court.”
REELEX has created a video that depicts its patented packaging systems, how to identify genuine REELEX-enabled cartons, and features a side-by-side pull-test depicting a knock-off REELEX carton failing versus a REELEX-enabled carton:
“Counterfeit and substandard LAN and other low-voltage cables are an ongoing issue in the industry, evidenced by educational initiatives and other actions being pushed by the Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA) and UL,” furthered Copp. “REELEX is wholly-committed to protecting its licensees’ investments in genuine patented and trademarked REELEX packaging technology. These measures include legal action against patent offenders, restrictions on importation of patent or trademark-infringing products, and more.”
