What is counterfeiting?

1. What is counterfeiting? 

Counterfeiting is the practice of manufacturing goods, often of inferior quality, and selling them under a brand name without the brand owner’s authorization. 

Generally, counterfeit goods are sold under a trademark that is identical to or substantially indistinguishable from the brand owner's trademark for the same goods, without the approval or oversight of the trademark owner. 

Many well-known brands, spanning various industries, are victims of counterfeiting. Counterfeiting can be distinguished from traditional trademark infringement or passing off, which involves the use of confusingly similar trademarks or service marks on or in association with similar—as opposed to fake—products or services. 

The manufacturing of counterfeits is most prevalent in developing countries with a strong, inexpensive manufacturing capability, including many nations throughout Asia (such as China and Taiwan), although counterfeit goods are sold around the globe. Counterfeits are manufactured to a lesser degree in developed countries.