Consumers Digest

What is the best way to determine if merchandise I buy (for resale) overseas is counterfit?

I want to sell discount goods in the USA that I buy from china. However, before I buy them I want to make sure first that I am not buying a product that infringes on another company's copyright in the USA. What is the best way to make sure it doesnt? I am not worrying about buying "name brand products". I am more worried about electronics that do not have an associated brand. My concerns come from things like digital MP3 players, there are thousands of different makes and models. How do I make sure that I am not buying a duplicate of another firms product (without the name brand attached). I can't possibly know every variation of MP3 players ever made. Any advice?

Public Comments

1. Does the product claim to be a name brand? If yes, then you can assume it's counterfeit. You need to understand the competitive environment in the particular line of goods you're selling. For example, you need to know about major brands in purses if you want to sell purses.
2. If you're buying anything with a brand name on from China or anywhere in the Far East assume it's fake. don't think they have a word for 'copyright' in that area of the world..
3. The price is usually the huge indicator that it is fraud. Next would be the quality of the items you recieve. Compare with what you know is the real thing.