What can you do if you sell fake goods?
If you think you have been sold counterfeit goods, or if you suspect somebody is selling fake goods, get advice from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06. Your local Trading Standardsoffice can also give you advice. Report it to us online or call 0300 123 2040.
In the U.S., it's illegal for a person to sell counterfeit merchandise. Both state and federal laws prohibit this type of conduct. If you knowingly sell or intend to sell a fake item, you could be sentenced to years in prison and/or be ordered to pay steep fines.
It is a serious crime to sell fake goods, with maximum penalties of up to 10 years in prison or an unlimited fine.
The law doesn't allow anyone to sell any product without the brand owner's permission. However, if you legally acquire the brand (that is, get permission from the trademark owner to use it), you are free to stamp your brand on the product and resell it.
If you suspect that someone is producing or selling counterfeit goods, you can submit a report online to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. Other federal agencies that investigate reports of counterfeit goods include: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Fraud. Taking money from someone under intentionally false pretenses is fraud. (18 USC § 1001.) Under the law, an intentionally and materially false statement relied upon by another constitutes fraud.
- Footwear, e.g. Nike.
- Luxury designers, e.g. Gucci.
- Watches, e.g. Rolex.
We don't allow counterfeit items or unauthorised copies to be listed on eBay. Items sold using a brand name or a brand logo must be original and made by the brand or manufactured on their behalf. Software, music, movies and other media must be original and not unauthorised copies.
4 reasons why selling counterfeit goods online is getting easier
Selling Fakes Online
What are the consequences of selling fake objects on eBay?
To register a complaint with NCH you can call on 1800-11-4000 or 14404 (all days except national holidays – from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm), you can also send SMS on 8130009809. Besides, there is the option to file complaints online either on NCH website or app is also available.
Can you go to jail for selling counterfeit items UK?
Sentence. Offences under sections 1 - 4 and section 5(1) and 5(3) Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 are either way maximum 10 years' imprisonment or fine or both.
Fake and illegal goods - community harm
If you buying fake and illegal goods, your money helps to fund organised crime gangs, including some who call themselves paramilitaries. These gangs can be involved in crimes which may be happening in your area: armed robbery. ATM and card-skimming scams.
