Late last week, I headed over to a shopping mall about 20 miles from my home to do some holiday shopping. I stopped into the coffee shop to grab a drink when I noticed kiosk selling handbags. I saw a bunch of designer-inspired bags at first, but when I got closer, they had some blatant fakes tucked in among the designer-inspired bags. There was a fake LV Globe Shopper and Alma, several fake Coaches, and a couple of fake Chanels. I was horrified! When I got home, I immedately sprung into action. I went to the mall's website and found the contact information for the mall management. I wrote them a lengthy letter informing them that a seller on their property was selling items that violated federal copyright and anti-counterfeiting laws. I further told them that not only could the seller be fined/jailed, but the mall could be held legally culpable for allowing this activity to take place on their property. I also informed them that counterfeit merchandise is often assembled using child/sweatshop labor and that profits from counterfeit sales often fund organized crime or terrorist activity. I then told them that not only had I contacted them, but I also contacted the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition and the copyright owners (which I did).
Today, I went back to the mall. The kiosk is still there, but all the fakes are gone! They still have designer-inspired bags, which are fine, but all of the blatant counterfeits that I mentioned in my letter to mall management were nowhere to be seen. Score one for the good guys! One person can make a difference!
Today, I went back to the mall. The kiosk is still there, but all the fakes are gone! They still have designer-inspired bags, which are fine, but all of the blatant counterfeits that I mentioned in my letter to mall management were nowhere to be seen. Score one for the good guys! One person can make a difference!
