Trademark Tyranny, Tamed Through Tribunal

In a decisive crackdown on industrial imposture, SSAB, the Nordic-American steel behemoth, has secured legal victories against two Indian firms found guilty of selling counterfeit Hardox® wear plate. The companies, operating out of the Mumbai metropolitan region, were sued for trademark infringement and the commercial misdemeanour of "passing off", the deceptive marketing of fake goods as genuine. Following extensive investigations and court proceedings, the companies admitted wrongdoing. The Indian court issued a permanent injunction, banning them from using SSAB's trademarks or engaging in any further unauthorised marketing of the renowned steel product.

Contrition Compelled, Counterfeiters Censured

The legal ruling did not stop at brand protection. Both Indian companies were ordered to pay exemplary damages, a punitive form of compensation meant to discourage future infractions. The court also directed them to publish unconditional public apologies to SSAB, acknowledging their misconduct. This legal precedent strengthens international enforcement of intellectual property rights in the global metals market, especially in jurisdictions where counterfeiting continues to threaten supply chains. SSAB hailed the outcome as a strategic deterrent against future violations of its globally registered Hardox® trademark.

Imitative Infamy, Industrial Integrity Imperiled

Hardox® wear plate, manufactured exclusively by SSAB in Sweden, is a premium, high-strength steel product widely used in heavy-duty applications like mining, agriculture, waste processing, and demolition. Known for its unrivalled toughness, guaranteed wear resistance, and dimensional precision, Hardox® has long set the benchmark for reliability. The counterfeit products seized during the investigation failed to meet even basic safety or quality standards. These substandard imitations not only misled customers but also posed serious risks of mechanical failure, premature equipment wear, and safety hazards in industrial operations.

Authenticity Assurance, Accredited Acquisition

SSAB reemphasized that genuine Hardox® wear plate is available only through its certified global network, including its own mills, official sales offices, and Hardox® Wearparts Centers. Customers are advised to verify supplier authenticity through SSAB's official portal. A simple rule governs this realm: if the price appears implausibly low, the product is likely illegitimate. In regions like Australia, where high-quality industrial materials are in demand, SSAB warns that misleading online offers often originate from India or China, exploiting low-cost, fast-access digital marketplaces to spread counterfeits.

Digital Deception, Detectives Deploy Defense

To combat the surge in online counterfeiting, SSAB has deployed a sophisticated digital enforcement operation. The company now removes hundreds of fake listings per month, targeting rogue sellers on social media platforms, B2B marketplaces, and independent websites. Most of these listings falsely promise Hardox® plate for export to regions such as Australia, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. These sellers often mimic SSAB’s branding and product claims, but their goods lack the molecular integrity that gives real Hardox® its reputation. SSAB uses advanced algorithms and web crawlers to identify and report these violations in real time.

Fabrication Frauds, Functional Failures Foretold

Counterfeit steel, particularly when deployed in high-wear, high-stress environments, leads to cascading operational failures. Equipment built using fake Hardox® plate is prone to cracking, premature wear, and complete mechanical breakdown. Beyond financial loss, counterfeit usage has grave safety consequences, including the risk of workplace accidents or structural collapse. From a compliance perspective, projects using unauthorised materials may face government sanctions, lawsuits, or withdrawal of building certifications. Moreover, counterfeit production typically violates environmental norms, further exacerbating ecological degradation.

Sustainable Steel, Secured Supply Chains

SSAB is globally respected not only for material excellence but also for its ecological ethos. Its SSAB Fossil-free™ steel, developed in partnership with energy leaders in Scandinavia, is produced without fossil fuels, thereby drastically reducing carbon emissions. Another innovation, SSAB Zero™, is made from recycled steel and emits virtually no carbon dioxide. These cutting-edge products represent SSAB’s broader vision of an environmentally responsible industrial future. Protecting its trademark also protects the integrity of its carbon-neutral and recycled supply chains, ensuring that sustainability is not compromised by counterfeit infiltration.

Reporting Rogue Retailers, Reinforcing Reputation

SSAB encourages clients, distributors, and industrial buyers to remain vigilant. The company urges anyone encountering suspicious steel products or sellers claiming to offer Hardox® at unusually low prices to immediately alert the local SSAB team. Official SSAB points of contact and certified dealers can be located via In the words of SSAB's advisory to its global clientele, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Safeguarding authenticity not only preserves industrial efficiency but also upholds global standards for safety, legality, and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• SSAB won a legal case against two Mumbai-based companies for selling fake Hardox® steel, securing damages & a permanent injunction.

• Counterfeit Hardox® lacks essential hardness & durability, posing safety, environmental, and legal risks to global buyers.

• Genuine Hardox® wear plate is sold only through SSAB’s certified mills, sales team, and Hardox® Wearparts Centers.