Through participation in the E-Commerce Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), motorcycle and automotive ignition parts producer Niterra Co. Ltd., through its national subsidiary Niterra Philippines, Inc., is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring the legitimate distribution of its spark plugs in the Philippine market, promoting responsible e-commerce practices as well as greater road safety. 

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) facilitated the ceremonial signing of the MOU, which would enhance Niterra’s ability to request expedited takedown of unofficial and counterfeit listings of its products on major e-commerce platforms that are signatories to the MOU.  

The E-Commerce MOU also offers access to a growing network of IP rights holder members and business groups and associations that could share their experiences in online enforcement and offer best practices. 

“We have long recognized that counterfeit spare parts, such as fake spark plugs, directly compromise public safety, as a single defective component in any vehicle can pose serious risks to both riders and commuters,” said IPOPHL Acting Director General (ADG) Nathaniel S. Arevalo. “While accidents are generally unforeseeable, vehicle road crashes due to substandard counterfeit products may be avoided.” 

ADG Arevalo further noted that Niterra joins an esteemed roster of companies who are committed to safeguarding roads and public safety through the distribution of legitimate motorcycle and automotive parts. 

“This goes to show that the collaboration between IP rights owners and representatives, together with e-commerce platforms, has been effective from its inception as signatories unite against counterfeiting and piracy,” ADG Arevalo said. 

Founded in 1936, the Nagoya-based company Niterra Co. (formerly known as NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd.) specializes in the technical development of ceramics, which is an essential element of spark plugs. The company has expanded its business areas to include sensors, semiconductors, and medical care. Across its sales and manufacturing sites across the world, it produces over 1,000 different kinds of spark plugs for various vehicles. Niterra Philippines imports around 5 million units of spark plugs annually, with an estimated trade value of close to P400 million. 

“For us, protecting intellectual property also means protecting motorists and car owners, as well as TNVS riders and drivers who rely on their vehicles for their livelihood,” said James Villena, General Manager of Niterra Philippines. “Genuine NGK Spark Plugs help keep them safe and their work reliable every day. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, we aim to make the online marketplace safer and more trustworthy for everyone.” 

“Counterfeit products, like fake spark plugs, do more than just hurt a company’s business—they jeopardize the safety of every consumer who trusts the brand’s quality,” said Atty. Christine Pangilinan-Canlapan, Supervising Director of IPOPHL’s Intellectual Property Enforcement Office. “By joining this E-Commerce MOU,  Niterra gains access to a proactive framework designed to identify  and remove counterfeit listings, directly addressing the digital challenges it encounters.” # # # (Rawl Maliwat, Communications & Marketing Writer)