Counterfeit consumer goods are goods illegally made or sold without the brand owner's authorization, typically in violation of trademark law. They appear across nearly every industry, from luxury products to everyday goods such as consumer electronics and pharmaceuticals, and because they are typically of lower quality than the genuine article, they can pose health and safety risks.
Facts
Typical PenaltyIn France, sellers or buyers of counterfeit goods can face sentences of up to 3 years in prison and a fine of $300,000 1 Notable Example2007 New York City counterfeit bust in which federal police seized $200 million in fake designer clothing, shoes and accessories from one of the largest ever counterfeit smuggling rings 1 Jurisdiction VariationIn China, the Consumer Protection Law imposes a penalty of three times the value of counterfeit goods sold, to compensate consumers, a different approach from the prison sentences and fines used in France 1 Classification
Offense GradeMinor or Summary Offense 1 In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Asia, found in there.
- Also in Geography Atlas: Europe, found in there.
Sources
1. Counterfeit consumer goods (Wikipedia)
Enforcement, United States subsection
France has already created stiff sentences for sellers or buyers, with punishments up to 3 years in prison and a $300,000 fine.
Enforcement, China subsection
If merchants are found to have sold counterfeit goods, the Consumer Protection Law imposes a penalty of three times their value to compensate consumers.
Types, Apparel and accessories subsection
seized $200 million in fake designer clothing, shoes, and accessories from one of the largest-ever counterfeit smuggling rings.
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