Counterfeit Goods / Brand Copies

Counterfeit goods (also known as brand copies) refer to products that use identical or similar trademarks to registered brands without authorization from the brand owner, constituting intellectual property infringement. In foreign trade, counterfeit goods commonly appear in apparel, bags, electronics, etc. Both buyers and sellers face risks including customs seizure, fines, criminal liability, and lawsuits from brand owners. Usage scenarios include customer inquiries, order negotiations, logistics customs declaration, and dispute resolution. Note: Must be distinguished from 'genuine stocklot' (brand-authorized but non-official channels), 'parallel imports' (legally authorized but sold across regions), and 'OEM manufacturing' (toll manufacturing commissioned by the brand owner). Counterfeit goods have no authorization whatsoever and are illegal. Foreign trade practitioners should refuse such orders to avoid violating the Customs Law, Trademark Law, and destination country laws such as the U.S. Lanham Act and the EU IP Enforcement Directive.