--- title: The Rising Tide of Counterfeit Goods in Supply Chains eBook description: Read the what, where, when, and why of counterfeit goods, and discover how you can fight the rising tide of counterfeit goods in your supply chain. --- [![Pinkerton Logo](https://page.pinkerton.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Pinkerton_September_2023/images/logo.svg "Pinkerton Logo")](https://pinkerton.com/) # Secure Your Supply Chain: Counter the Threat of Counterfeit Goods Today Discover how you can fight the rising tide of counterfeit goods in your supply chain. [Download eBook](https://page.pinkerton.com/the-rising-tide-of-counterfeit-goods-in-supply-chains-ebook/?hsLang=en#form) ##### Discover everything you need to know to stay ahead of the curve and protect your brand. - What are the most counterfeited consumer goods? - What is the economic impact of counterfeits on brands? - How do counterfeiters exploit vulnerabilities in supply chains? - Where do counterfeit goods originate and what are the main global transit points? - What role does e-commerce play in global illicit trade? - What are the dangers and health risks counterfeit goods pose to consumers? - How do you identify counterfeit products? - What is the impact of counterfeits on supply chains and businesses? - What are some anti-counterfeiting strategies to protect supply chains and intellectual property rights?   ![ebook-CFG-inside](https://page.pinkerton.com/hubfs/ebook-CFG-inside.png "ebook-CFG-inside") # Download your free eBook Fill out the form below to download your copy of *The Rising Tide of Counterfeits in Supply Chains*. ### Is your supply chain vulnerable to counterfeits? Supply chains are the lifeline of today's economy, fueling industries and keeping global trade flowing. They link together everyone from producers to consumers. But there's a hidden danger lurking within this essential system: the rise of counterfeit goods. Counterfeits mimic real products, misleading customers into thinking they're buying the real deal. They not only copy the item itself but often the packaging and branding too, violating intellectual property rights, trademarks, and copyrights in the process. This deceptive practice undermines genuine businesses and the integrity of the supply chain. Your supply chain could already be compromised. ![Counterfeits_Ebook Design_1-19](https://page.pinkerton.com/hubfs/Counterfeits_Ebook%20Design_1-19.png "Counterfeits_Ebook Design_1-19") ## FAQs #### Is this ebook really free? Of course! We're just dropping some free insights your way—hoping you'll find them useful. Remember us when you need expertise in protection, investigations, and risk management. Boots to brains, we’ve got you covered. #### Why do I need to fill out the information requested? We ask for your details in exchange for a valuable security and risk management resource. Plus, we'll keep you in the loop with our latest marketing updates, which we think you'll find quite valuable as well. We take your privacy seriously and always keep your personal information safe and secure. Thanks for trusting us with your details! #### Why is counterfeiting bad? Counterfeiting is a big problem. Misleading labels, the unauthorized use of trademarks, and sometimes the use of the use of substandard materials are just a few ways in which counterfeit goods and intellectual property theft harm both consumers and businesses. These deceptive practices not only cheat customers but also damage the reputation and revenue of legitimate companies — leading to economic downturns and job loss. Plus counterfeit products provide a significant source of income for organized crime groups, contributing to what is estimated to be a $2.3 trillion underground economy. The proceeds fund other illegal activities, including human trafficking, drug trafficking #### Is it illegal to sell counterfeit goods? Even if it is through a legitimate business and the reseller didn’t know what they were selling was counterfeit? Yes, it is illegal to sell counterfeit products, regardless of whether the business is otherwise legitimate. Selling counterfeit goods is a violation of intellectual property rights and can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and even imprisonment. Businesses need to ensure that the products they sell are authentic and that they have the right to sell those products #### Can you sue someone for selling counterfeit goods? Yes, if you are a trademark owner or have legal standing, you can sue someone for selling counterfeits of your products. Selling counterfeit goods infringes on trademark rights and intellectual property laws. Legal actions can be taken against individuals or entities involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of counterfeit products. While the laws and procedures vary by country, generally, the trademark owner would need to prove that their rights have been violated. (Pinkerton can help you investigate and gather the evidence you need.) If successful, the trademark owner may be entitled to remedies such as injunctions to stop the sale of counterfeit goods, monetary damages, and sometimes even the destruction of the counterfeit products. It's important to consult with a legal professional who is knowledgeable about intellectual property law in the relevant jurisdiction to pursue such a case. #### What are grey markets? Grey markets, also known as parallel markets, refer to the trade of goods through distribution channels that are unofficial, unauthorized, or unintended by the original manufacturer. Unlike black markets, where the trade of goods is illegal, grey markets usually involve the sale of legitimate products, but they are sold outside of the manufacturer's authorized trading channels. However, counterfeit goods can also infiltrate brick-and-mortar stores through grey markets. We talk a little more about this in the ebook. #### Is there a way to detect counterfeit goods in my supply chain? In our ebook, we provide industry tips to help you protect your supply chains from counterfeit goods – practical and actionable tips you can start implementing today! ![ebook-CFG-CTAbanner](https://page.pinkerton.com/hubfs/ebook-CFG-CTAbanner.jpg) ## Download the eBook Today Dig in a little deeper and learn how to protect your supply chain from counterfeit goods. [DOWNLOAD NOW](https://page.pinkerton.com/the-rising-tide-of-counterfeit-goods-in-supply-chains-ebook/?hsLang=en#form) ©2026 Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations, Inc. All Rights Reserved.