Fighting the Proliferation of Counterfeits, Fakes and Dupes: Protecting IP Rights on Virtual Marketplaces *

Fighting the Proliferation of Counterfeits, Fakes and Dupes: Protecting IP Rights on Virtual Marketplaces *

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From counterfeit goods to unauthorized resellers and copycat listings, brand owners face growing challenges in protecting their intellectual property. Trademarks are critical to safeguarding the value of brands and ensuring consumer safety in a world with numerous virtual marketplaces that make it easier than ever for goods—including fakes and dupes—to travel across the globe overnight.

They may look like the real deal, but these fakes and dupes are anything but authentic and can be linked to forced labor and transnational organized crime. From fake electronics that overheat to personal care products laced with toxic substances, counterfeit goods pose real dangers, especially to children and the elderly. And while fakes and dupes may seem harmless, the counterfeit market is creating confusion about authenticity for consumers, which makes consumers skeptical and less likely to purchase brand-name products online.

This panel will explore the evolving landscape of IP enforcement in virtual marketplaces, which include traditional e-commerce platforms (i.e., Amazon, Alibaba, Etsy) and social media and non-traditional communication platforms (i.e., Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp). Panelists will discuss specific problems brands are facing, what small and medium-sized businesses can and should be doing to best protect themselves, and the importance of consumer awareness initiatives in government / brand partnerships.

Whether you’re in-house counsel, an IP strategist, or managing a brand portfolio, this session will offer insights into staying one step ahead in the fight against online IP abuse.

Materials:

How to Avoid Fake Products This Back-to-School Season

What Superfakes Really Cost Us

How Duracell Uses Trademarks and Trade Dress to Fight Counterfeits

Patent Owners Beware: Expanded Jurisdiction Risks in Using Third-Party Platforms to Remove Infringing Listings

What Brand Owners and Platforms Need to Know for Compliance with the INFORM Consumers Act

Survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Fighting-the-Proliferation-of-Counterfeits-Fakes-and-Dupes