Steer Clear of Counterfeit Goods During the Upcoming Academic Year
In the bustling world of commerce, counterfeit goods have a far-reaching impact, affecting all forms of trade. From local businesses to multi-national corporations, the losses from counterfeit goods ripple through communities [1].
These illicit products are not only a threat to legitimate businesses but also pose risks to consumers. Counterfeit goods are linked to forced labor and transnational organized crime [2]. Moreover, they can contain hazardous materials and malfunction unexpectedly, posing health and safety hazards [3].
To safeguard your family during the back-to-school shopping season, Sydney Redden, the Director of IP Enforcement for the Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC), offers some practical advice.
Firstly, shop at reputable, known retailers with secure websites. Look for "https://" and padlock icons, signs of a secure connection. Avoid suspicious online deals or unknown sellers [1][2].
Secondly, prioritise secure payment methods, especially credit cards with fraud protection. This step can offer an additional layer of protection against counterfeit goods [2].
Thirdly, inspect every detail of a product, including packaging, labels, and product quality. If something seems amiss, it's best to err on the side of caution [2].
Fourthly, keep your devices updated with security software to protect your data and avoid falling victim to counterfeit goods and malicious software [4].
Lastly, report any suspected counterfeit products to authorities such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center [2].
By following these strategies, parents can better protect their families from counterfeit goods and the associated criminal activities prevalent during the back-to-school shopping season [1][2][3][5].
It's important to remember that trusting your instincts is key when shopping. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of suspicious ads or links, and always verify the authenticity of a product before making a purchase [6].
The GIPC, a part of the website mentioned in the article, is dedicated to combating counterfeit goods, working alongside organisations like the OECD and EUIPO [7]. In a 2025 report, these organisations estimated that counterfeit goods account for approximately $467 billion in global trade [8].
U.S. Customs and Border Protection stands on the front lines in the fight against counterfeit goods. In fiscal year 2024, they seized over 32 million counterfeit items [9].
However, the 2025 report does not specify the exact countries or industries affected by these losses [10]. Nevertheless, it's clear that counterfeit goods have a wide-reaching impact, affecting businesses of all sizes.
By choosing to support legitimate businesses and avoiding counterfeit goods, we can ensure a successful start to the school year, not just for our children, but for the entire community.
- The impact of counterfeit goods extends beyond businesses, affecting the entire trade landscape.
- From small businesses to large corporations, losses from counterfeit goods impact communities significantly.
- Counterfeit goods not only threaten legitimate businesses but also pose risks to consumers.
- These illicit products are linked to transnational organized crime and sometimes involve forced labor.
- Counterfeit goods can contain hazardous materials and malfunction unexpectedly, posing health and safety risks.
- To safeguard families during shopping seasons, prioritize reputable retailers with secure websites.
- Look for "https://" and padlock icons, signs of a secure connection, to prevent falling for suspicious deals.
- Secondly, opt for secure payment methods, particularly credit cards with fraud protection.
- Inspect every detail of a product, including packaging, labels, and product quality.
- If something seems amiss, it's best to avoid purchasing and report it to authorities.
- Keep devices updated with security software to protect data from counterfeit goods and malicious software.
- Report any suspected counterfeit products to authorities, such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center.
- By following these practices, families can protect themselves from counterfeit goods and associated criminal activities.
- Trusting your instincts is crucial when shopping, especially if a deal seems too good to be true.
- The Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC), along with organizations like the OECD and EUIPO, fights against counterfeit goods.
- In 2025, these organizations estimated that counterfeit goods accounted for approximately $467 billion in global trade.
