SPARTANBURG, SC - AFL, a leading manufacturer of fiber optic products, announced in a press release that it has filed two separate lawsuits—one against Fiberoptic Hardware, LLC, and one against SurplusEQ.com Inc. Both suits were filed with the Federal District Court of Arizona.

The complaints are similar in nature in that AFL is taking an aggressive position in defense of its fusion splicer product line. The individual complaints against Fiberoptic Hardware and SurplusEQ.com each provide evidence that the two companies independently committed various acts of unfair competition including false advertising in their unauthorized sale of "gray market" Fujikura fusion splicers. In addition, AFL asserts that Fiberoptic Hardware and SurplusEQ.com violated the Lanham (Trademark) Act, infringing upon Fujikura's trademark, and the Copyright Act.

The case number against Fiberoptic Hardware is CV 11-01081-PHX-MEA, and the case number against SurplusEQ.com Inc. is CV 11-01086-PHX-FJM.

AFL is wholly-owned by Fujikura Ltd. AFL is responsible for protecting Fujikura's trademarks in North America. AFL and Fujikura have successfully addressed issues with other companies that have infringed on the Fujikura trademark, and AFL will continue to vigorously defend all of Fujikura's and AFL's Intellectual Property inclusive of patents, trademarks and copyrights.

Fujikura is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and manufactures products for the telecommunications, electronics, automotive and energy sectors. Fujikura's fusion splicers are well-known for performance, productivity and reliability. AFL offers the most extensive line of Fujikura fusion splicers and related equipment for field splicing and factory/laboratory use. All fusion splicers sold by AFL are backed with a factory warranty and a 24/7 technical support team.