Is it illegal to unknowingly buy counterfeit goods?

Is it Illegal to Buy Counterfeit Goods? The U.S. Department of Justice, however, has stated that federal law doesn’t prohibit an individual from buying a counterfeit product for personal use, even if they do so knowingly.

Is it wrong to buy knockoffs?

Unlike legitimate products, counterfeits aren’t inspected or regulated by government agencies. Fake goods are often bad quality and in many cases — unsafe. Counterfeit electrical goods are not put through the same vigorous safety checks as legitimate items and are often very dangerous.

Why shouldn’t you buy knock offs?

Buying on illegal websites puts you at risk for identity theft and credit card fraud when you provide a counterfeit merchant with your information, says the IACC, and “downloading or streaming from illegal websites could put you at risk for malware, which can steal your personal or credit card information.”

Can you sell fake items if you say it’s fake?

Counterfeiting is the act of making or selling lookalike goods or services bearing fake trademarks. The sale of counterfeit goods (as described below) is illegal, as you’re probably aware.

Is it illegal to sell imitation products?

By registering a trademark, businesses can prevent others from using their name, image, or catch-phrase to sell products. Second, a seller can be prosecuted under the Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984. The Act makes it illegal for individuals to knowingly use a counterfeit trademark to sell goods or services.

What happens when you buy counterfeit goods?

In 2011, the value of the South African counterfeit industry was estimated at approximately R362 billion. Persons found dealing in counterfeit goods are guilty of an offence and may be fined up to R5000 per article or face up to three years imprisonment or both, if they are a first time offender.

Is it illegal to sell counterfeit items?

California Penal Code 350 PC makes it a crime to manufacture, sell, or possess for sale, any counterfeit trademarks. Trademark Infringement and counterfeit goods is described under California Penal Code 350, which prohibits possessing, selling, or manufacturing counterfeit goods with a registered trademark.

What is the most common fake item?

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• Wearing apparel/accessories: 18\% of all counterfeit products seized in 2018.
• Footwear: 14\%
• Watches/jewelry: 13\%
• Handbags/wallets: 11\%
• Consumer electronics: 10\%
• Consumer products: 8\%
• Pharmaceuticals/personal care: 7\%
• Optical media: 2\%