As part of its continued commitment to the fight against counterfeiting and ensuring that consumers receive only the highest quality products, Bear Archery is pleased to announce that it has obtained an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission ("ITC") prohibiting Topoint Archery and any companies or people working in association with it from advertising, importing or selling counterfeit Whisker Biscuit arrow rests in the United States. The order prohibits the infringement of Bear Archery's U.S. Patent Nos. 6,978,775 and RE38,096, which cover the Whisker Biscuit® arrow rest, as well as Bear Archery's Trademark Registration Nos. 2,501,255 and 3,312,392 for the famous Whisker Biscuit® mark.

Bear Archery filed the complaint that led to the subject investigation against Topoint Archery on May 8, 2014 after learning that Topoint Archery was marketing and selling counterfeits of its popular Whisker Biscuit® arrow rests, which are a part of Bear Archery's Trophy Ridge brand. The investigation found that Topoint Archery violated Bear Archery's patent and trademark rights. As a result, on December 3, 2014 the ITC issued the exclusion order marking the successful conclusion of the investigation for Bear Archery.

"Bear Archery is pleased that the ITC has granted this exclusion order against Topoint Archery and others, and believes that it will go a long way in preventing counterfeit archery products in the marketplace," said Jack Bowman, President, Bear Archery, Inc. "We hope this result will discourage other manufacturers who consider producing counterfeit archery products. However, Bear Archery remains prepared to pursue further counterfeiters if necessary."

Despite Bear Archery's best efforts to keep potentially inferior counterfeit products out of the market, consumers may encounter these products online or in retail settings. Below are a number of criteria to assist you in evaluating a potential product to ensure that you are purchasing an authentic Bear Archery or Trophy Ridge branded product:

• Always buy from an authorized Bear Archery or Trophy Ridge retailer. To find an authorized retailer, please see our http://www.beararchery.com/dealers">Bear Archery Dealer Locator or http://www.trophyridge.com/find-a-dealer">Trophy Ridge Dealer Locator..
  
  
• Only purchase product which is in its original Bear Archery or Trophy Ridge packaging. Any items sold in a "white box" or plastic sleeve are probably counterfeit.
  
  
• If the goods are shipping from outside of the United States, they are probably counterfeit.
  
  
• Try to compare the product that you are buying against authentic product. If there are any differences, even slight ones, it is most likely counterfeit.
  
  
• If the deal is too good to be true, then it probably is.
  
  
• If you are in doubt, don't buy the product.

If you believe you have purchased a counterfeit product, you should contact the seller immediately and demand a full refund or exchange for an authentic Bear Archery or Trophy Ridge product. Most online websites and payment method have policies to protect a buyer against counterfeit goods. Please note that Bear Archery cannot warrant or be responsible for any malfunction or injury caused by any counterfeit products.

Thank you for your support of our products.