From: Ulf Samuelsson on
Bob skrev:
> On 23 Apr, 21:50, Don McKenzie <5...(a)2.5A> wrote:
>> ATmega Slugs
>>
>> Sparkfun just got lumbered with counterfeit ATmega328s:http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/news.php?id=350
>>
>> Makes for interesting reading. Check out the comments also.
>
> "Sparkfun sells counterfeit ICs" isn't a headline I would like to see
> if I was running a company... :)
>
> Surprisingly, some people actually seem to be buying them...

I think that if you can't find the culprit, it is meaningless
to file complaints.

Probably a good idea to pay through an escrow.
Check that the companyy has existed for a significant amount of time
before you start to trade with them.

You probably want to have a photo of the package.
Buying a component today, which is manufactured in 2007,
has it's own problems.


--
Best Regards
Ulf Samuelsson
These are my own personal opinions, which may
or may not be shared by my employer Atmel Nordic AB
From: John Nagle on
Ulf Samuelsson wrote:
> Bob skrev:
>> On 23 Apr, 21:50, Don McKenzie <5...(a)2.5A> wrote:
>>> ATmega Slugs
>>>
>>> Sparkfun just got lumbered with counterfeit
>>> ATmega328s:http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/news.php?id=350
>>>
>>> Makes for interesting reading. Check out the comments also.
>>
>> "Sparkfun sells counterfeit ICs" isn't a headline I would like to see
>> if I was running a company... :)
>>
>> Surprisingly, some people actually seem to be buying them...
>
> I think that if you can't find the culprit, it is meaningless
> to file complaints.

If you complain to the U.S. Trade Representative
about counterfeiting, to the Embassy of China, and the China
Semiconductor Industry Association, you might be able to find them.
China does require all businesses to be registered with the
Government, and there will be a paper trail somewhere.

In particular, the China Semiconductor Industry Association
might well be interested. They're trying to make their industry
more respectable. The last thing they want is companies boycotting
China sources.

Also recognize that Chinese law tends to be rather tough. It's
hard to get the attention of the authorities in China, but once you
do, pain will be applied to somebody.

John Nagle
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