@fixer1234 Without mentioning the brand or product it is not possible to ask any question about the genuinity of a product at all. The question isn't about how to purchase, the purchase was already made. Do you still think that the question is obtuse or might it be a real question that someone is facing? The answering process learned me that by default APC supplies UPS-es from a cheaper manufacturer (with a different brand of battery). As soon as any issue arises, APC replaces it - at least in my case - with a unit from their premium manufacturing line, with a different brand of battery (CSB).

@fixer1234 The "where", "how much", "what is the best" are usually offtopic shopping question. The does product "x" meet requirement "y" are not: meta.superuser.com/questions/1103/… In this case the balance goes to ontopic on this measuring scale. The question is not a discussion. That the subject is outside of the competencies of the answerers is not an issue, because self answering your own questions is allowed over here. There have been APC counterfeit units in the wild. Sorry that I came looking here.