What are the laws governing the sale of counterfeit goods online?

In California, the selling of counterfeit goods online is illegal under federal and state laws. This includes any goods that are made to look like genuine products, with the intention of fooling buyers into thinking they are purchasing a genuine item. The federal law that addresses this issue is the Trademark Counterfeiting Act, which criminalizes the manufacture, sale, or distribution of counterfeit goods with the knowledge that they are counterfeit. Under this law, violators can be fined up to $2 million and/or face up to 10 years in prison. Under California state law, individuals accused of selling fake items online can be found guilty of trafficking in counterfeit goods. Those convicted of this crime can be charged with a misdemeanor, with potential punishments of up to a year in county jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines. In addition to criminal prosecution, individuals caught trafficking or selling counterfeit goods can face a civil lawsuit from the owner of the trademarked product. The owner would have the right to sue the individual for damages and the destruction of the counterfeit items. In general, it is important for individuals to be aware that selling counterfeit goods online is illegal. Doing so may lead to hefty fines, criminal charges, and costly civil lawsuits.

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What are the laws governing the sale of counterfeit goods online?

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