A trader in Hung Yen, Vietnam, has been fined more than 102 million VND after authorities discovered hundreds of counterfeit pickleball paddles, including 310 fake JOOLA-branded paddles, at his business premises.
Key Takeaways
- A Hung Yen trader was fined more than 102 million VND over three separate violations.
- Authorities found 310 counterfeit JOOLA pickleball paddles valued at more than 99 million VND.
- Another 140 unbranded paddles were found without labels or verified manufacturing origins.
- The case highlights the challenges surrounding counterfeit sports equipment as pickleball continues to grow in Vietnam and across Asia.
310 Counterfeit JOOLA Paddles Found
The case dates back to 24 July 2026, when Vietnam's Economic Security Department and Market Management Team No. 2 inspected a business operated by Le Duc Viet, a Hung Yen resident born in 1991.
Inspectors found 310 paddles carrying the JOOLA brand name, each priced at 330,000 VND, giving them a listed value of more than 99 million VND. Authorities later confirmed that all 310 JOOLA-branded paddles were counterfeit.
The inspection also uncovered another 140 unbranded paddles priced at 100,000 VND each. These products had no labels indicating where they were manufactured, putting their combined value at around 14 million VND.
Three Violations Behind the 102 Million VND Fine
Following verification of the products, Market Management Team No. 2 formally recorded the violations on 31 July. The Hung Yen Provincial Market Management Sub-Department subsequently imposed a total penalty exceeding 102 million VND.
The penalty covered three separate offences: failure to register the business household, trading in counterfeit trademarked goods, and selling products with an unverified origin.
The case was confirmed by Hung Yen Provincial Police on 27 September 2026, highlighting how a single inspection uncovered several regulatory violations at the same premises.
Counterfeit Equipment Under the Spotlight
The case comes as pickleball continues to expand across Vietnam and the wider Asian region, increasing demand for paddles and other equipment. For established brands such as JOOLA, counterfeit products can raise concerns over trademarks and the authenticity of equipment reaching consumers.
For buyers, the incident also highlights the importance of checking the source and authenticity of sporting equipment, particularly when branded products are offered at unusually low prices.
A Reminder for Vietnam's Growing Pickleball Market
The Hung Yen case demonstrates that counterfeit sporting goods can result in multiple penalties when they are sold alongside other regulatory violations. The combination of an unregistered business, counterfeit trademarked products and goods of unverified origin ultimately resulted in a fine exceeding 102 million VND.
As pickleball continues to attract players and businesses in Vietnam, the case adds another reminder that the rapid growth of the sport is also bringing greater attention to the equipment market surrounding it.
