Illegal Market Traders Raided In Southall, UK

Determined to combat the piracy of Indian films, Yash Raj (USA), Inc. initiated and coordinated with the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force in California and the law firm of Poppe & Bhouraskar, LLP, for the seizure of thousands of counterfeit videocassettes and DVDs from the following stores in Modesto, California on August 13, 2002: 

- India Warehouse, 2021 Yosemite Blvd. 
- Indian Bazaar, 2045 W. Brigsmore Ave. 
- Coolidge Market, Coolidge Ave. 
- Kumar's Imports, 3424 Oakdale Rd. #2 
- Asian Food Mart, 2001 B Tully Rd. 
- Fijian Market, 1100 Carver Rd. #2 

The stores were all closed down while the investigators searched the premises and boxed illegal videocassettes and DVD's of Yash Raj films and other copyright holders; business records; and all equipment used as a means for replication and distribution of unauthorized copies of Indian Films. 

The Modesto police believe that they cracked down on what they suspect is a large counterfeit video and DVD operation. The investigators will turn over the results of their raids to the District Attorney's office. 

Despite the numerous warnings and communications by and on behalf of Yash Raj, the stores continue to duplicate, display and/or distribute illegal, unauthorized copies of films to which Yash Raj holds the copyrights. 

Yash Raj released the film "MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE" in the movie theatres this past Friday, August 9, 2002. Yash Raj holds the exclusive copyrights to "MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE". If a DVD or videocassette of "MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE" has not been purchased by the retail stores from authorized Yash Raj distributors and it does not contain Yash Raj's copyright notice, it is unauthorized. Any person or entity found to be violating Yash Raj's copyrights to the film "MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE" will be aggressively prosecuted for copyright infringement. 

The raids serve as a warning that Yash Raj intends to pursue persons and stores throughout the United States that duplicate, display or distribute illegal, unauthorized copies of any and all films to which Yash Raj holds the copyrights and prosecute such infringers to the fullest extent of the law.