No surprise to the brand protection weary. As we all came to the reality that we were living in a global health crisis caused by the coronavirus, we also came to the realization that whatever was in demand was at risk. Personal protective equipment needed? Fine, we’ll counterfeit that.

With all the news breaking on the various items being counterfeited and sold via the internet during this time, keep in mind (and your eye on) the relevant U.S. legislation currently pending:

QUESTION IS?
When will hearings be scheduled on these important initiatives?

We’ve all been waiting to hear the decision of the Court Justice of the European Union in the Coty case where Amazon fulfilled orders of counterfeit perfumes. The Court said Amazon was not liable but they vowed to continue to fight counterfeits on their platform. Will we see results of this commitment? During the pandemic many brands saw a rise in online counterfeiting.

Meanwhile in the U.S., we still await a decision in the Oberdorf v. Amazon.

And further hearings on the Shop Safe Act, we may reveal a legislative solution to the question of liability based on health and safety criteria.

We started to venture out and may have been surprised to see that the seasons in fact changed while we were in isolation —spring has sprung in many parts of the world! With it, the potential for growing scams. Stay informed by receiving alerts.

Amazon announced in April that it would cease shipping services for third party sellers not utilizing Amazon warehouses in June. Has this changed the affected the shipping of counterfeit goods?

Google to up requirements for ads

Starting in the U.S. this summer, Google is requiring advertisers to submit more identifying information before advertising is accepted. This procedure was instituted due to ads for counterfeit products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enjoy being outside, but beware of counterfeit sunscreen that may not give you SPF protection, but may hurt you. Our very own Kari Kammel, Assistant Director of A-CAPP and her family members suffered consequences after applying counterfeit sunscreen in Egypt during a trip in 2019. See her recent article of the American Bar Association Journal on considerations for IP enforcement in the Middle East.

Possibly enjoying your friends like you never have before? Ensure food safety. A major concern around the world.