Yamaha Enters into Agreement with Net Enforcers, Inc. to Investigate MAP Violations

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Yamaha Corporation of America announces that its Pro Audio & Combo Division has entered into an agreement with #, Inc. to manage its MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) enforcement efforts. Beginning August 1, 2006, Net Enforcers began identifying MAP violations on Yamaha products and initiated the process of helping to bring uniformity and consistency to Yamaha's enforcement of its MAP policy.

"People who abuse the MAP system are doing a serious disservice to legitimate dealers," said Tom Sumner, vice president and general manager, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "We are determined to stamp out dishonest merchants and will continue to conduct consistent and fair enforcement efforts."

A Florida-based online detective agency, Net Enforcers patrols the internet and investigates distribution channels and supply routes for gray market Yamaha professional audio products. Net Enforcers and Yamaha are aggressively targeting unauthorized dealers that engage in unscrupulous practices, including those who pose as authorized dealers, offer an invalid manufacturer's warranty and steal intellectual property like copyrighted images, text and trademarked logos.

Once Net Enforcers identifies an illegitimate seller, the company traces the flow of supply and, if necessary, issues cease and desist orders. The firm also provides a reporting outlet for legitimate dealers that come across violations.

"Dishonest dealers who sell below MAP undercut authorized sellers and create an unlevel playing field," said Stephan Villard, director of operations for Net Enforcers. "We are scouring the internet to monitor Yamaha's custom MAP policies with every dealer. The specialized MAP monitoring system developed and put into place by Yamaha and Net Enforcers has yielded very positive results so far, and the reaction in the market place has been met with a favorable and positive reception."

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.

About Yamaha:
Yamaha Corporation of America manufactures a complete line of musical instruments, professional audio products, customer-driven support products and computer-based products targeted to both the amateur and professional markets.