Definition[]
General[]
A counterfeit product (also called a knockoff) is an imitation which infringes upon a production monopoly held by either a state or corporation. Goods are produced with the intent to bypass this monopoly and take advantage of the established goodwill of the legitimate product.
Trademark law[]
Counterfeit is the
| “ | [u]nauthorized representation of a registered trademark carried on goods identical or similar to goods for which the trademark is registered, with a view to deceiving the purchaser into believing that he/she is buying the original goods.[1] | ” |
Overview[]
The word "counterfeit" frequently describes both the forgeries of currency and documents, as well as the imitations of clothing, software, pharmaceuticals, watches, electronics, and company logos and brands. In the case of goods, it can result in patent infringement or trademark infringement.
Counterfeiting of money is usually pursued aggressively by all governments. The ethics of counterfeiting goods on the other hand is looked at differently in different areas of the world.
Trademark[]
A counterfeit is a spurious mark which is identical with, or substantially indistinguishable from, a registered mark.[2]
References[]
- ↑ DOHA WTO Ministerial 2001: Glossary of Terms.
- ↑ 15 U.S.C. §1127.