When replicas are identical to existing marks, it is illegal. Replica: A relatively new term coined by counterfeiters to promote their products online.Not illegal, but can be challenged in court by the brand that inspired the design. Can be found online and in stores, often at reputable retailers or brands, usually at a cheaper price than the original items that inspired them. ![]() Knockoff: A product that resembles another item, but isn’t exactly identical.These are typically sold online, and via street corner and back-alley vendors. Counterfeit: Essentially a product that is identical to another product, and thereby infringes upon the trademark of that product mark (trademark).But how to tell the difference? As a primer, here’s a quick definition of each: Brands such as Coach, Tory Burch, Cartier and Polo Ralph Lauren have all won judgments in the hundreds of millions of dollars against web sites selling counterfeits - although most of these are in China, and the brands are unlikely ever to recover the money.Īs for knockoffs - they aren’t illegal unless a brand can prove that the resemblance is so close that the consumer is misled. A counterfeit is clearly illegal and brands and governments spend millions fighting those because, in some cases, the sale of counterfeit goods can help fuel terrorism. In the fashion world, and even with other products, there are fine - very fine - distinctions between a counterfeit, a knockoff and a replica. Moreover, were any of these transactions illegal? In scenario B she was lured away from doing so, but were the shoppers being deceived? Perhaps. In each of these situations, the shopper has failed to buy an authentic Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 handbag. She clicks “buy.”įinally, Consumer D, in Chicago, is online and Googles “Speedy 30 cheap,” which takes her to several e-commerce sites that offer the Speedy 30 with monogram for $32. The site says it is leather and has brass fittings. It looks nice, but doesn’t have the monogram. Also see knock the socks off.Then, in London, Consumer C Googles “Speedy 30 replica,” which results in a page that includes dozens of YouTube reviews of the bag and several web sites offering a “Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy 30” for $170. Hold up, rob, as in The gang knocked off two liquor stores in half an hour. 5Ĭopy or imitate, especially without permission, as in They are knocking off designer Swiss watches and selling them for a few dollars. Kill, murder, as in They decided to knock off the old lady. Get rid of, reduce, as in She knocked off twelve pounds in a month, or They knocked off one-third of the original price. The first colloquial usage dates from the early 1800s, the variant from the mid-1800s. Dispose of or produce easily or hastily, finish, as in A writer of detective novels, he knocks off a book a year, or We can knock out a rough drawing in a few minutes. For example, He knocked off work at noon, or Let's knock off at five o'clock. ![]() Take a break or rest from, stop, especially quit working.
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