Internet sellers could come under investigation. Customers may claim they advertised and sold reproductions as authentic brands. Under the New Jersey Trademark Counterfeiting Act, officials may investigate allegations of sellers advertising or displaying a counterfeit trademark.
Garden State residents could face charges based on the number of products advertised online. Creating a web page and offering at least 25 items with an allegedly counterfeited trademark may result in a criminal charge.
Officials charged a New Jersey woman for selling counterfeit goods
As reported by NJ.com, officials charged a New Jersey resident over allegations of importing counterfeited luxury goods. The online seller purportedly offered imitation designer handbags, clothes and jewelry as brand-name items.
Officials obtained a search warrant and found the products in her home. The prosecution claims she attracted attention by offering knockoffs for a fraction of the price that the companies owning the luxury brands sold them for.
Imported knockoff goods typically end up for sale online
The Department of Homeland Security investigates products imported from other countries. Many of the items sold online in the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website notes that officials seized more than 26,000 shipments of counterfeited goods in 2020.
Jewelry and watches account for the most valuable items. The knockoff manufacturers allegedly reproduce the items for listing on e-commerce sites. Nearly 5,000 wallets and handbags represented just 17% of the products confiscated. Officials also allege the production of imitation medical masks and sports-related merchandise.
Individuals charged with selling counterfeit items may defend against a prosecutor’s allegations. Proving the authenticity of their merchandise could help counter the charges. Maintaining contracts and shipping records may show that a seller has the right to advertise and list the products for sale online.
