Trademark Infringement of FIT Bearings

After the domain name trademark infringement of FIT Bearings between 2007 to 2009, another similar infringement surfaced recently. Ningbo Bearing Company arrogantly used FIT's brand to seek illegal benefits over the internet, causing unfair competition. FIT Company in Shanghai, China is a branch invested by American Fremont Group, a company with over 20 years of experience and history in the bearing industry. Furthermore, in December, 2007, WIPO concluded that FIT Bearings had sufficient evidence that the FIT trademark in China belonged to FIT (Refer to the following: http://www.fitbearings.com/cn/wipo.html).

FIT currently has several trademark names, including but not limited to "FIT Bearings”, “菲立蒙“ and "FEI LI MENG". Regardless of which trademark a company attempts to infringe upon, FIT Bearings will seek full legal action against the responsible party. In reference to Ningbo Bearing Company’s infringement, it has already violated subparagraph 1 of Article 56 in the “Trademark Laws of the People's Republic of China”, as well as relevant regulations of article 20 in the “Anti-unfair Competition Law”.

We have taken appropriate measures to seize Ningbo Bearing Company’s illegal business activities. In addition, FIT Company will seek full compensation and reserves the right of further litigation for damages.

A Holiday Celebration

From all of us at FIT Bearings, we would like to extend a special greeting during the holidays to express to our customers our sincere appreciation for their loyalty. We are deeply thankful, and would like to extend our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season. May the season bring gifts of peace, hope and joy.

A Bright Outlook

2016 looks like it will be a bright year, and we hope to continue to service our customers through both FIT Bearings and FIT's new casting foundry, which opened in 2015. We are grateful to all who attended the grand opening.

Foundry in the Works

FIT Bearings is expanding. After 26+ years of servicing our customers as an importer of industrial products, we will now manufacture the casting products that we sell. FIT Bearings recently purchased a casting foundry in China's Anhui Province, which is not too far from our quality control center in Shanghai, China. We look forward to the new opportunities that owning a foundry will bring, such as

• Controlling our own product quality.
• Offering lower prices to our customers.
• Giving our customers the opportunity to buy "factory direct".
• Selling to overseas markets.

We are currently in the beginning stages of getting the foundry set up, but we hope to be producing castings soon. Please check back for regular updates regarding our progress.

As FIT Bearings continues to grow, we want to thank our loyal customers for their continued patronage. It is greatly appreciated.

Holiday Gratitude

As the holiday season approaches, FIT Bearings would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their continued support. Customers are vital to a company's growth, and we feel that there is no time more fitting than now to thank all of you.

We look forward to working with you in the coming year, and hope that our business relationship continues for many years to come.

Automechanika Shanghai Trade Fair

FIT Bearings will participate in the 2014 Shanghai/Frankfurt Automechanika exhibition, which is the second largest automotive international trade show in the world. It is expected to attract 4,800 exhibitors and 86,000 global buyers, with products ranging from automotive parts and accessories to equipment and services. The 2014 show will run fromDecember 9-12, and will be a superb platform for tapping into the Chinese and Overseas markets.

FIT Bearings' booth #N4F68 will be in district B of the auto parts exhibition area, and on display will be a range of products including bearings, seals, castings and machined parts. Please stop in and visit us at our novel showroom, and we will be happy to assist you with any of your product needs. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Information about the upcoming trade show can be found at the following:http://automechanika-shanghai.hk.messefrankfurt.com/shanghai/en/visitors/welcome.html

FIT Bearings' new website is live and ready for viewing.

We redesigned our layout for simplicity, ease of use, and accessibility. Our new homepage welcomes you with a clean and bold design that we feel better reflects our company today. While the content of our new site is similar, our new design was built on the best practices of current website development, and will keep pace with our rapidly growing organization.

We hope that you enjoy FIT Bearings new website. Please feel free to send us comments or feedback.

Shanghai To Reduce Land Use Terms

In an effort to increase land use Efficiency, the Shanghai government is currently in the process of making comprehensive changes to the rules and regulations of industrial land use by setting more stringent targets for construction and on-site operations. When these changes are implemented on July, 1, 2014, they will have a major impact on the acquisition and financing of industrial properties and logistics operations in Shanghai.

The specific changes will be as follows:

• Reduction of “Land Use Rights” from 50 years to 20+ years
• Requirements to achieve financial targets with regard to the use of industrial land
• Restrictions on the ability of district governments or industrial zones to offer discounts regarding the sale of industrial land
• Rules against hoarding or selling shares of land

FIT Bearings is a solely-owned American company with a renewable 50-year “Land Use Rights” contract. We are located in Shanghai’s prestigious Songjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone, and are a part of the city’s “National Level” of Investors. Companies such as ours that began investing in Shanghai years ago, have an advantage over new-comers, because we are in a position to be able to guarantee long-term stability to anyone who is interested in purchasing Chinese products.

FIT Bearings Applies for Alibaba "Gold Supplier" Status

In May, 2008, in order to better serve our customers, FIT Bearings became an Alibaba TrustPass member. It opened the door to many more factories and leads for the specific products that our customers were looking for.

Year after year, FIT Bearings has continued to grow as an overseas supplier.

We are beginning to expand our sales to other countries, and in order to maximize our exposure to potential customers worldwide, in December, 2013, FIT Bearings applied for Alibaba's "Gold Supplier" status. To qualify, we must pass an authentication and verification procedure by a third party verification company.

At FIT, we know that credibility is critical when choosing an overseas supplier, and by becoming an Alibaba "Gold Supplier", we believe that companies will feel confident in FIT Bearings integrity as a potential supplier for their product needs.

Holiday Reflection

As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year, and on those who have helped FIT Bearings to be where we are today. It is because of you, our customers, that we have been able to continue to grow as a reliable overseas supplier. Your support has meant a great deal to us, and we look forward to working with you in 2014.

To show our appreciation to you for your continued business with FIT Bearings, we are handing out corporate mini flashlights and USBs. Please call to get yours. We wish all of you and your families a Happy Holiday Season, and a New Year filled with prosperity.

Shanghai Songjiang Upgrades to State Level Economic and Technological Development Zone

Shanghai Songjiang Industrial Zone, the first municipal industrial zone established in the Shanghai suburbs, was updated to a State level economic and technological development zone on July 1, 2013. This update to the “National Team” was done to help stimulate economic and social growth. The goal is to strengthen asset capital and social augmentation through integrated multivariate transformation. The new industrial state level park totals 14,275 acres, with Shanghai Songjiang industrial zone consuming the largest portion, 13,731 acres. Other sections of the park include the Xinqiao Partition, Chedun Partition, Songjiang Science and Technology Park, City of International Small and Medium Business, and the Shihudang Partition.

During the opening ceremony, Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Zhou Bo, gave a warm welcome to all, and congratulated everyone who was involved in getting the new State level economic and technological development zone up and running. Moving forward with this great endeavor, Mr. Zhou offered his leadership and assistance whenever needed.

FIT Bearings is excited to be in the new State level economic and technological development zone. Our company is located at No. 2229 ShenGang Road in the Songjiang Industrial Development Zone. Our CEO hopes that this new State level industrial park will attract quality companies, and together, we can spur tremendous growth to the area.

FIT Bearings Pays a Record High Second Quarter VAT

Taxes are the most basic income for governments in countries around the world. They can not survive without taxes, because in order to function properly, full financial support is necessary. Taxes are collected from the people to be used for the people. Reasons for taxation are military & Defense, national civil service payroll, transportation & urban infrastructure, science, health & epidemic prevention, education, disaster relief, environmental protection, social welfare, and more. With all of responbilitites that governments bear, it is no wonder that every business and citizen has an obligation to pay taxes.

FIT Bearings contributes RMB￥50,000.00 to Ya'an Earthquake Charity

A small kindness, if multiplied by 1.3 billion, will become a sea of love. Let us all beseech our spiritual support for Ya'an, because even though an individual particle is modest, together we can create a powerful, positive energy. When we do this, we become part of Ya'an.

At bedtime, please pray for peace for all who were affected by the earthquake in Lushan County, Ya'an City, Sichuan. We wish them sweet dreams, and hope that tomorrow will be a brighter day filled with promise and reward.

For information regarding FIT’s donation, please see the following http://www.shilehui.com.

Countering Timken’s Anti-Dumping Petition, Hailin Fires the First Shot

When The Timken Company requested a Change of Circumstance Review in the Taper Roller Bearing Anti-dumping case, FIT Bearings immediately got involved. We hired Beijing's renowned Hylands Law Firm, a well established counsel in the field of international trade law that incorporates more than 300 lawyers, patent trademark agents, and support staff. Mr. Jiang Peng and his team meticulously sifted through a mountain of documents, and once their tedious task was complete, on behalf of FIT Bearings, they filed a strong rebuttal to the Department of Commerce (DOC).

On the grounds that Timken:

• Exports bearing products to China at an increasing rate every year, while their average prices continue to decrease
• Sells their bearing products in China for less than what they sell them for in the United States
• Is hurting the Chinese bearing industry by dumping tapers in to China while at the same time trying to prevent Chinese bearing competitors from competing for U.S. business 

We vehemently object to Timken's request for a Change of Circumstance Review in the Anti-Dumping order covering Tapered Roller Bearings exported by Hailing Zhongke Science and Technology Co., Ltd.

FIT Bearings understands the gravity of the situation regarding Timken's request for Change of Circumstance Review with the DOC. In an effort to defend the rights of the Chinese bearing industry, we became the first American bearing company to team up with Hailin Zhongke Science and Technology Co., Ltd. to refute Timken’s review request.

Reference: China Industry News, March 21, 2013:

Hailin Lodges the First Bearing AD Case Against U.S. Timken

http://www.cinn.cn/xw/ztzl/hldxzchyfqxdyq/286681.shtml

http://www.cinn.cn/xw/ztzl/bwjrgdxw/287756.shtml

Holiday Wish

It’s December again, and the holidays are upon us. For many, it will be a time for singing carols and sipping eggnog and hot cider. For some, it will be chestnuts roasting on an open fire. And for a few, it will be having to work through the holidays. No matter where you will be or what you will be doing during the latter part of December, the FIT Bearings team would like to wish all of our customers a Happy Holiday Season. We are so grateful for your continued support, and we look forward to servicing you in 2013.

Infringement Runs Rapid in China

Another Chinese company tried to profit off of FIT Bearings' reputation by infringing on our URL. In September, we found that a bearing factory located in Jiashan city was using the URL, www.fitbearing.cn.china.cn. Even though this URL is somewhat different than ours, according to CNNIC’s Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, this clearly falls into the category of “suspicious illegal infringement”. CNNIC is the China Internet Network Information Center.

Our legal advisor at the Shanghai Brilliance Law Office sent a letter to the Jiashan factory requesting that they delete the website immediately. They conformed to our request; therefore, we suspended any further legal action against them. Should we find the Jiashan factory infringing on our URL again, we reserve the right to resume legal action against them.

Cybersquatting (domain squatting) is an unlawful act in most countries. In the United States, there are laws to protect domain rights, and these laws found in the U.S. Copyright Office are considered to be transnational.

This is the third infringement issue that we have faced. The first involved Ningbo Flight International Industrial Co., Ltd. They were using the URL, www.fitbearing.com. After requests from our attorney to take down the website brought no results, we filed a lawsuit with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, which is an international provider of non-profit services for the out-of-court resolution of commercial disputes. The WIPO agreed with our argument, and the domain name www.fitbearing.com was transferred into FIT Bearings' name. The second incident involved Zhejiang Fit Bearing Co., Ltd. They were not only using “FIT Bearing” in their name, but they were also using our “FIT” trademark when theirs was really "CCF". As FIT Bearings' corporate attorney prepared to take legal action against them, they withdrew the “FIT” trademark. Therefore, we suspended our legal action against them.

FIT Bearings' URL was registered on December 29th, 2007, and every year since, we have renewed our annual registration. We will continue to do everything that we can to protect the renowned reputation of the FIT Bearings name, not only because of the potential for loss of profits and reputation, but also to protect our customers’ interests. The risk of receiving defective product is too great when dealing with companies with no business integrity.

FIT Bearings Becomes Member of ShiLeHui

Similar to the American Red Cross, China’s ShiLeHui is a privately owned humanitarian organization that gives assistance to the suffering and needy. ShiLeHui was established in 2007, and is registered with the JinHua Civil Affairs Bureau, a branch of the Charity Federation in JinHua City.

Based on their belief in love for their fellow man, ShiLeHui’s motto is to do a good deed every day, for every person that needs assistance. They devote their time to raising money for causes such as supporting orphaned children, helping the elderly pay for medical services that they could otherwise not afford, assisting children with higher education tuition, and helping citizens of all ages during national disasters. These good deeds are just a few of the services that ShiLeHui provides to its Chinese citizens.

ShiLeHui relies on donations for funding, and their use of the internet has enabled them to reach far and abroad. Money comes from not only companies and citizens in China, but also from sponsors from all over the world. In addition, ShiLeHui’s relationship with other charity organizations, various public benefits, social involvement, and their relationship with the Chinese Government enables them to continue to reach as many people as possible.

The owners of FIT Bearings were so moved by the extraordinary charitable undertakings that ShiLeHui has done for its citizens in China, that they decided to give back by becoming a contributing member. It is organizations like ShiLeHui that set an example of how worthwhile humanitarian deeds can be, and FITBearings considers it an honor to be a part of it.

Fair Play Pays Off

The first antidumping law was enacted in 1916, and since then, the U.S. Government has placed many different types of products on review from foreign markets for dumping practices. Products have ranged from fruit juice and candles, to ribbons and wire, to concrete and steel. Of particular interest to FIT Bearings are the reviews that affect the industrial market, as was the case in the following review on tapered roller bearings.

On June 15, 1987, the Department of Commerce (DOC) published in its Federal Registry an antidumping duty order on tapered roller bearings (TRB’s) from the PRC. Then, in 2010, some domestic bearing companies requested reviews on all entries of TRB’s exported by both Peer Bearing Co., Ltd. - Changshan (CPZ/SKF) and Hailin I&E (produced by any manufacturer other than the Tianshui Hailin Bearing Factory, also called HB Factory).

At that time, our CEO at FIT Bearings, Yi-Lee Don, asked a large and consequential transnational law office to assist both FIT and Gansu Hailin Zhongke Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (Hailin Zhongke) with the DOC review. With the professional guidance from one of the firm's senior lawyers, who prepared tedious and meticulous protest documentation for both companies, Hailin Zhongke prevailed. What the DOC eventually determined was that HB Factory no longer existed and that Hailin Zhongke was the successor-in-interest to HB Factory. Hailin Zhongke held all of HB’s assets, were located at the same physical address, and held on to the same management, suppliers, and customer base as HB Factory. Therefore, since the DOC had previously revoked the 2000-2001 review’s antidumping order on TRB’s exported by Hailin I&E that were produced by HB Factory, the DOC revoked the order on Hailin Zhongke.

For almost 100 years, U.S. companies have had to deal with unfair trade practices from foreign markets. However, as shown above, there is a flip side. Domestic producers can also hurt competition, because they can enlist the help of the government to prevent foreign competition, even when there has been no dumping. They can also raise prices with little fear of being undercut by foreign companies. A great deal of time, energy, and funds were invested by both FIT Bearings and Hailin Zhongke, and all the while we were both playing by the rules. Now and in the future, we hope to continue to be recognized as reputable Chinese product suppliers.

The CEO of Gansu Hailin Zhongke Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Mr. Yang Wan-Shun, held a celebration dinner for all involved in the review. During that dinner, Mr. Yang Wan-Shun addressed his guests, and we were honored when he made special mention to FIT Bearings’ contribution.

For the 2009-2010 DOC review information regarding tapered roller bearings, please see the following:

Preliminary Results

Final Results

Chocolate from South Bend for the Holidays

December was that special time of year when many families and friends got together to exchange gifts, reminisce about years past, watch some college football, and eat that wonderfully delicious holiday food. The holidays without sweets is like Notre Dame without football. So this past holiday, the management at FIT Bearings gave chocolate to 15 random top tier customers, and we thought that it was a perfect fit to send chocolate from the South Bend Chocolate Factory (SBCC).

SBCC started out making chocolates under a license from the University of Notre Dame. Their first three products were the Domer, the Rockne, and Nuts for Notre Dame. They now make licensed chocolates for Indiana University, Purdue University, and the University of Michigan. They also wholesale their high-quality line of chocolates to companies throughout the United States.

The FIT Bearings team would like to wish our customers a very prosperous new year. We would like to thank all of you for your continued business, and we look forward to servicing everyone in 2012.

As some of you may know, 2012 is also the year of the Dragon. The Dragon is legendary; it is one of 12 animals that appears in the Chinese Zodiac, and is a symbol of imperial power and high status. There is a 12-year cycle for each of the 12 animals, and the Dragon will not appear again until 2024. As the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is about to begin (January 23, 2012), which is the most important holiday in China, we hope that everyone enjoys their upcoming holiday and New Year.

Measurement with optics technology

FIT Bearings has purchased the HUAZUN Precision IMI-2010-2.5D optical comparator to better assist our QC team when precision measurements such as 0.001 mm are required. In addition, to avoid delays at the factory level due to potential inaccuracies in product dimensions, we have asked our factory suppliers to also purchase the IMI-2010-2.5D.

An optical comparator is an instrument that applies the principles of optics to the inspection of manufactured parts. In a comparator, the magnified profile of a part is projected upon the screen, and the dimensions and geometry of the part are measured against prescribed tolerances.

For technical information, please see the following: http://www.fitbearings.com/inspect.html

With the evolving technological advances in precision instruments and machinery, FIT Bearings’ promise to strive for 100% in quality products inches closer towards that goal.

FIT Bearings acquires recertification on both ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004

FIT Bearings, a U.S.A. based, privately held company, acquired its recertification on both ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management Systems) and ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management Systems). After quality systems analyses by AQA International, FIT Bearings earned its recertification in June.

AQA International is a U.S.A. based accredited registration company with operations around the world that provides standards, registration, and training to companies of all types and sizes. Their mission is to ensure that AQA International continues to raise the bar for excellence and exceptional impartial service within the registration and certification profession.
 
ISO 9001:2008 is the international recognized standard for businesses that have achieved a Quality Management System.  It covers all aspects of an organization’s activities, including the following:
 
Identifying its key processes
Training and communication
Defining roles and responsibilities
Following policies, objectives, and documentation requirements
Product and process planning, resource requirements, and purchasing
Monitoring and measurement of products and processes
Understanding and meeting customer requirements and satisfaction
 
ISO 14001:2004 is a management tool enabling companies to improve its environmental performance.  It  entails implementing a systematic approach to setting environmental objectives and targets, and to achieve these goals and demonstrate that they have been met.
 
By continuing to undergo the scrutiny of an accredited third party certification company, we can reassure our customers that we are fully committed to quality。

FIT Bearings Opens New Facility

FIT Bearings is kicking off 2011 with the opening of our newly built corporate office and quality control center located in Shanghai, China.  Spanning approximately 50,000 sq. ft., the new facility will enable us to provide the additional capacity to support our continued future anticipated growth as a dependable overseas supplier.  This expansion will bring more engineers and quality control personnel, and also additional state-of-the-art machines and equipment for testing purposes.  It has been many years in the making, and we are excited to be where we are today in order to meet the new demands of tomorrow. 

Happy Year of the Rabbit!

Crystal Paper Weights for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for giving, and this season, we are acknowledging our top tier customers with a FIT Bearings Crystal paper weight. As far back as prehistoric times, people have been fond of crystals. Throughout time, they have been used by many civilizations for things such as religious ceremonies, healing, spiritual impurities, wisdom, and practical purposes. FIT recognizes the tremendous value placed on crystals, and because we value our top tier customers' continued business, we are giving them a FIT Bearings Crystal paper weight.

We would like to take this time to thank all of our customers for their business, as we appreciate it very much. The FIT Bearings team looks forward to servicing all of you in 2011.

Everyone at FIT wishes our customers, and their families, a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year.

FIT Bearings' Supplier Incentive Program

Achieving a collaborative system with our suppliers through our new Supplier Incentive Program is one of FIT Bearings' primary objectives. In order to advance our new program, we are taking a series of important initiatives, such as providing assistance and support in market development, product sales, and supplier consolidation. This will ensure our suppliers continued competitiveness in their local markets.

In 2010, for the suppliers who have made outstanding contributions to FIT Bearings success, we will recognize them with diamond-class honors, which will include technical support, product development assistance, inventory logistics, and resource allocation.

Moreover, because we recognize the potential for further development in their respective markets, the diamond-class suppliers who have partnered with FIT Bearings for many years will also have an opportunity to expand their sales through FIT's Supplier Consolidation Plan. This new program (new procedure) (new process) (new operation) should not only strengthen our relationships with our suppliers, but also facilitate financial growth for both.

FIT Bearings' innovative business practices continues to aid in our growth, and if you are not yet a supplier, come shake our hand, and grow together with us.

1. Castings (wheel hubs, wheel weights...)
2. Stampings (Tie downs, brackets...)
3. Injection molded parts (Handle grips, wheels...)
4. Machined parts (Shafting, spline couplers...)
5. Electrical parts (Boxes, battery test clamps...)
6. Sub-assemblies (Carts, conveyor roll ends...)
7. Complete assembled products (Lawn mowers, brakes...)

1. Ningbo Flight International has not provided evidence for use of the domain name "fitbearing".
2. FIT Bearings never permitted Ningbo Flight International to use its trade mark.
3. There is no record that Ningbo Flight International is commonly known by the disputed domain name.
4. There is no indication that Ningbo Flight International has been using the domain name for non-commercial or fair use.

• Speedy application for Chinese Visas.
• Interpreter and advisors.
• Scheduling of meetings and factory visits.
• Transportation between the airport, hotel and suppliers.