Product piracy and brand protection
Tracking down counterfeits, exposing distribution channels and identifying those behind them.
Counterfeiting has long since moved beyond luxury goods. Spare parts, medicines, electronics, cosmetics, food and components for machines and vehicles are all affected.
Counterfeiters work in networks across borders – increasingly through online marketplaces, social networks and messengers.
Threats to your company
- Copies sold under your brand or in confusingly similar packaging
- Counterfeit spare parts and components that put users at risk
- Grey market: genuine goods flowing into other markets in breach of your distribution agreements
- Loss of tools, moulds or design data through contract manufacturers and suppliers
- Fake shops using your brand, images and texts
- Domains and social media accounts misusing your name
Typical problems
- Counterfeits are often only noticed through complaints or warranty claims.
- Platforms delete listings – the next day they are back online under a new name.
- Without knowing manufacturers, warehouses and money flows, legal action has no effect.
- Customs and courts lack usable evidence and documented test purchases.
- Sometimes the leak is in your own supply chain.
Financial consequences
- Lost revenue as counterfeits displace genuine goods
- Price pressure and shrinking margins in affected markets
- Costs of complaints, warranty and liability when counterfeits are taken for your goods
- Product recalls and legal disputes
- Lasting damage to your image: customers associate poor quality with your brand
- Loss of value of the brand itself
Our approach
- Market monitoring online and offline, including marketplaces and the dark web
- Test purchases and documentation that stands up in court
- Identifying manufacturers, dealer networks, warehouses and payment channels
- Working with lawyers, customs and authorities on seizures and lawsuits
- Protecting the supply chain: vetting suppliers, contracts, product marking
A suspicion is best clarified early.
Tell us about your concern. We will get back to you personally and confidentially.