Guandong  Province,  China  (August  23, 2006) - The U.S Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting  Working Group (comprised of Acushnet Company, Callaway Golf,  Cleveland  Golf,  Nike  Golf,  PING and TaylorMade Golf Company) has continued   its   petitioning   efforts  to  encourage  Chinese  government authorities  to  enforce  its laws against counterfeiting activities within the  Peoples  Republic  of  China.   In  the  latest  series of enforcement actions,  the Chinese Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) raided four  factories  in  the Xiamen area and seven retail outlets in Guangzhou.Petitioning  efforts  by  the  U.S.  Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working  Group  (Working  Group) resulted in the seizure of more than 4,000 counterfeit  items  during  raids on  factories which  were all operating without a business license.

In addition to manufacturing and assembly facilities, the Working Group has also persistently sought to have Chinese government agencies enforce intellectual property laws against retailers who sell counterfeit golf products.  In the raids conducted by the AIC against retailers in Guangzhou, more than 1,800 counterfeit items bearing trademarks from members of the Working Group were seized. The goods ranged from golf clubs,golf bags and balls to clothing, towels and even umbrellas.  By petitioning the Chinese government to go after infringing retailers, the Working Group intends to send the message that no part of the supply chain is safe from anti-counterfeiting enforcement action.

Loo Shih Yann, a principal with the international law firm of Baker and McKenzie who is coordinating efforts on behalf of the Working Group in China advised that both the targeting of retail and production facilities as well as the petitioning of local government offices to pursue criminal prosecutions would continue in earnest where appropriate. The estimated aggregate retail value of goods seized in the 5 day operation is estimated at USD 1 million ($1,000,000.00). Loo also pointed out that some of the targeted retail shops were located near five star hotels and are obviously a trap for unsuspecting tourists.

The U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group consists of the worlds' leading golf equipment manufacturers.  Its members and brands include Acushnet Company - Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra Golf; Callaway Golf - Odyssey, Top-Flite and Ben Hogan; Cleveland Golf-Never Compromise; Nike Golf; PING; and TaylorMade-adidas Golf - Maxfli.