Impact of counterfeit goods

• Counterfeits negatively impact the sales of authorised products as they are sold much cheaper.
  
• The consumer is deceived and receives an inferior quality or defective products – this can cause reputational damage to the brandholder and legitimate retailers alike as consumers will try to return defective counterfeit goods through legitimate channels.
  
• Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime and is syndicate driven. The funds gained are often used to fund other serious criminal activities.
  
• Risk of harm / risk to life – counterfeit goods do not adhere to health and safety regulations placing the end user (usually children) at risk!
  
• Combatting counterfeit goods significantly increases legal costs!