Fake "Designer" Goods

[Love,]

As a person who is an avid fan of the fashion world, and as an artist, I feel strongly against the counterfeiting of designer goods. I want to share with you some information, so that you can share this with your friends or family, or anyone you know who may be involved in this.

 

I'm going to use a classic example - Louis Vuitton in a few facts.

- Out of all of the "Louis Vuitton" products in this world, ONLY ONE PERCENT is authentic and genuine?

- Each genuine Louis Vuitton product is a work of art and craftsmanship.

- If there is even a tiny defect in a Louis Vuitton product, it will not be sold and will be destroyed.

- Louis Vuitton is THE MOST exclusive brand name in the world.

- Louis Vuitton products never go on sale.

- Louis Vuitton NEVER wholesales its products.

- The ONLY place to buy an authentic Louis Vuitton product online for the US is at www.eluxury.com, an online boutique owned by the parent company, LVMH, Moet-Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the most powerful luxury conglomarate in the world. French customers can order online authentic Louis Vuitton products directly at the company's official website - www.louisvuitton.com

- The ONLY place to buy an authentic Louis Vuitton is at several of their official boutiques world-wide. Also, in the US, customers could phone in 1-866-VUITTON and order by phone.

- Even if there is a Louis Vuitton store the size of a small counter, it will still operate as a private store, with its own manager, its own security guard, and its own sales associates.

- Louis Vuitton has leather-goods factories only in France, Spain, and USA. Watches and jewelry are made in Switzerland, Italy and France. Ready-to-wear collections are made in France and Italy.

- Authentic Louis Vuitton products take hours and days to make, not minutes.

- One of the most counterfeited bags, the classic Speedy bag, which retails for $600-$700USD, costs 30 cents USD or less to produce in illegal factories in China, from cheap plastic material.

- Did you know that owning a FAKE Louis Vuitton is illegal?

- Did you know that when you sell a FAKE Louis Vuitton, you are committing a crime?

- Did you know that when you sell more than one FAKE Louis Vuitton, it is considered as trafficking, an even bigger crime?

 

Many of the previous examples apply to the many other counterfeited items in our world today. Other very commonly counterfeited luxury brands are Fendi, Chanel, Prada, Rolex, Gucci, and Burberry.

 

Even lesser brands such as Coach, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Adidas, Nike, Oakley and Dooney and Bourke are counterfeited.

 

 

Busts happen daily around the world.

Louis Vuitton has launched a collaborative mission with over 20,000 multifarious people from all around the world, to monitor, control, and report counterfeiting.

 

Here's an example of something that happened recently:

Ashanti Blaize, Reporter

Fake Designer Goods Confiscated at Swap Meet

 

Fake Fendi, counterfeit Coach and phony Prada were confiscated after a raid on a local swap meet.  The raid netted more than $3 million in sham merchandise and resulted in four arrests.

 

The Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet is where the fake items were discovered.  Police first raided this indoor swap meet at around 10 a.m. Sunday, but it took them until 2 a.m. on Monday to confiscate all the counterfeit merchandise inside.

 

Police are saying this is the biggest bust of its kind in Las Vegas.  Prada bags, Cartier watches and Louis Vuitton visors.  A whole table full of the most expensive labels in the fashion world --  until you take a closer look.

 

"This is a $600 billion problem worldwide and $250 billion is here in the United States," said Sgt. Prokopios Ziros, Metro police.

 

More than $3 million in goods from 26 vendors was seized in the raid of the Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet.  Police say vendors were desperate to not get caught.

 

"Some of them were running around with bags hiding them in other people's shops, underneath their counters and trying to keep us from taking them," Sgt. Ziros said.

 

Four people were arrested and charged with three felony counts of selling, displaying or advertising goods with false trademarks.

 

"The problem is not even touched yet. The problem will continue because as I said there's so much money to be made from this stuff so this is just the tip of the ice berg. We'll continue to go after them every chance we get," Sgt. Ziros said.

 

Police say some customers actually believe they are getting a good deal on a designed bag.  They caution that if you are getting an incredible price on a designer bag, it is most likely a fake.

 

"I would say probably 50-percent would think that they're buying the real thing and 50-percent know the difference but just can't afford the real thing."

 

Metro knows they won't get a handle on this problem overnight but they're hoping raids like the one will serve as an example to others selling counterfeit merchandise in the valley.

 

http://www.lasvegasnow.com/global/story.asp?s=5776997

 

A comprehensive report filed last year...

Billions of items counterfeited in August: Report

 

Released on = October 4, 2005, 9:50 pm

 

Press Release Author = Gieschen Consultancy

 

Industry = International Trade

 

Press Release Summary = Counterfeit and piracy seizures and losses for August exceeded $251 Billion (USD), as reported by Gieschen Consultancy. Intellectual property theft incidents (trademark infringement and copyright violations) jumped more than 370%.

 

Press Release Body = Wednesday October 5, 2005 -- Calgary, Canada -- Based on worldwide counterfeit enforcement activity (investigations, raids, seizures, arrests, charges, convictions, sentences, civil litigation) for month of August 2005, as reported through the DOPIP Security Counterfeit Intelligence Report, more

than 309 incidents valued at $251,931,905,720 (US Dollars) were analyzed from 53 countries.

 

The top 10 countries reporting intellectual property violations:

 

1. USA, $76 Million (USD) seizures and losses.

2. France, 9.7 Million.

3. UK, $4.9 Million.

4. Russia, $3.9 Million.

5. China, $3.0 Million.

6. Pakistan, $0.5 Million.

7. Mexico, $0.5 Million.

8. Czech Republic, $0.4 Million.

9. India, $0.4 Million.

10. Malaysia, $0.3 Million.

 

Other countries include Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Malta, Morocco, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the UAE.

 

The top 20 countries pursuing all forms of counterfeiting and pirate activity (documents, identification and intellectual property):

 

1. USA, 122 incidents, $76 Million (USD) seizures and losses.

2. India, 32 incidents, $0.6 Million.

3. UK, 30 incidents, $4.9 Million.

4. Bangladesh, 9 incidents.

5. Philippines, 7 incidents, $1.8 Billion.

6. Malaysia, 7 incidents.

7. China, 6 incidents, $250 Billion.

8. Pakistan, 6 incidents, $0.5 Million.

9. Canada, 6 incidents.

10. Australia, 6 incidents.

11. France, 5 incidents, $9.7 Million.

12. Russia, 4 incidents, $3.9 Million.

13. Malta, 4 incidents.

14. Vietnam, 4 incidents.

15. Singapore, 4 incidents.

16. New Zealand, 4 incidents.

17. Thailand, 3 incidents, $0.5 Million.

18. Czech Republic, 3 incidents.

19. Nigeria, 3 incidents.

20. Japan, 3 incidents.

 

For more information: http://www.goldsec.com/Security_Research.htm

 

The most popular items to counterfeit:

 

1. Financial Instruments, 127 incidents worth $252 Billion.

2. Entertainment & Software, 53 incidents worth $6,2 Million.

3. Identification, 45 incidents.

4. Clothing & Accessories, 22 incidents worth $27.7 Million.

5. Other Documents, 16 incidents worth $1.2 Million.

6. Drugs & Medical, 12 incidents worth $0.5 Million

7. Cigarettes & Tobacco Products, 10 incidents worth $61 Million.

8. Industrial Goods & Supplies, 6 incidents worth $1.8 Million.

9. Toys, 3 incidents worth $0.5 Million.

10. Perfume & Cosmetics, 3 incidents.

11. Food & Alcohol, 3 incidents.

12. Electronic Equipment & Supplies, 3 incidents.

13. Jewelry & Watches, 2 incidents worth $2.0 Million.

14. Other Goods, 2 incidents.

15. Computer Equipment & Supplies, 1 incidents.

 

The top 10 brands counterfeited:

 

1. Louis Vuitton.

2. Chanel.

3. Lacoste.

4. Christian Dior.

5. Gucci.

6. Nike.

7. Oakley.

8. Prada.

9. Adidas.

10. Coach.

 

The top 10 items counterfeited:

 

1. Currency.

2. Films.

3. Music.

4. Passports.

5. Checks.

6. Medicine.

7. Handbags.

8. Software.

9. Social Security Cards.

10. Cigarettes.

 

In summarizing the activity for the month of August, Glen Gieschen, Managing Director of Gieschen Consultancy stated "The seizure and loss values for August jumped above the Billion dollar range for the 2nd month this year. As occurred in 2004, counterfeit activity increases dramatically during months when seasonal spending increases. In particular, 24% of counterfeit goods sold were traced to

season markets, street vendors, and car boot sales. This increase was also supported by larger than expected incidents of intellectual property theft. Fake brands and pirated goods increased 370% on average, accounting for more than $100 Million worth of seizures, compared to $162 Million for the first half of 2005.

 

To understand the magnitude of the problem, in the first 8 months of 2005, more than 2,678 incidents of counterfeiting and piracy were linked to the seizure of 1.26 billion items valued in excess of $3.25 Trillion. In addition, further investigations, as a result of these seizures, indicated more then 960 million bogus items had already been sold for approximately $900 Million. It was also found that

in 55% of the cases, counterfeiters are using China to manufacturing fakes and exported more than $70 Million to other countries."

 

About Gieschen Consultancy

 

Gieschen Consultancy, provides counterfeit intelligence analysis and security research relating to documents, products and intellectual property. Gieschen Consultancy educates clients regarding counterfeiting issues, and assists in developing anti-counterfeiting, brand protection and enforcement solutions. Providing the knowledge of the criminal Modus Operandi (methods of operation), legal and political issues, security technology, industry reports and statistical

information, effective strategies can then be developed, implemented and monitored.

 

 

For more information visit http://www.gieschen.com/.

 

About DOPIP SCI Reports

 

DOPIP is a powerful source of information regarding illegal activities such as counterfeiting, forgery, product tampering and diversion. It provides breaking news reports and analysis relating to document, product and intellectual product security. Security technology providers, enforcement agencies, trade organizations, and brand owners will find this information indispensable for detection, deterrence and prevention.

 

As a member of the DOPIP Security Counterfeit Intelligence group, you will be supporting a global education campaign to raise awareness of counterfeiting and piracy issues.

 

Standard DOPIP (Document, Product and Intellectual Property) Membership - $295 USD per individual. This membership provides access to a number of resources which include the daily Standard DOPIP SCI Report which monitors more than 5,000 news and information sources daily for relevant information. In addition, limited access to monthly counterfeit research data will be provided and you will be invited to contribute content to the monthly DOPIP Security Counterfeit Intelligence global press releases.

 

Premium DOPIP Membership - $835 USD per individual. This cost includes all of the features of the Standard membership, plus additional monitoring of 11,000 print news and information sources daily for relevant information.

 

For more information visit http://www.goldsec.com/Security_Updates.htm.

 

Web Site = http://www.gieschen.com/

 

Contact Details = Glen Gieschen

Managing Director

Gieschen Consultancy

Glen@Gieschen.com

Phone 403-256-5680

Calgary, Alberta Canada

 

http://express-press-release.com/18/Billio...in%20August.php

 

On top of all this, carrying something that ISN'T real is just tacky. SO GET REAL!

Edited December 10, 2006 at 07:39 PM by Love,

[CSCfan]

"No no no noooo"

[Love,]

"No no no noooo"

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I assume that's an agreement!

[CSCfan]

"No no no noooooooo"

[Céline's Blues]

This article is ridiculous. Sofa, you don't seriously think Céline fans buy bags or pockets/wallets for $1000 a piece! LOL Anyway in MY opinion you can very well see a fake with your bare blue eyes. Not even the ridiculously low price is a hint in first place.

 

I for one like quality clothes yet I am not deluding myself into buying some fake designer goods since they would definitely not only be genuine but also very low quality. There are many great quality designer studios that are both high quality and affordable. Especially for a student.

[Tal]

sofa give me a break!! artistry my #ss! you cant give me one good reason why their smallest wallet is $575 other then the fact that they want to seem prestigeous. i just went to their store on 5th two days ago and they had a PLASTIC barrett for $230. its ridiculous and i for one have no problem buying a knock-off on Canal street for a tenth of the price. Maybe only 1% of LV products sold are legit because only 1% of the population can actually afford them.

[Love,]

sofa give me a break!!  artistry my #ss!  you cant give me one good reason why their smallest wallet is $575 other then the fact that they want to seem prestigeous.  i just went to their store on 5th two days ago and they had a PLASTIC barrett for $230.  its ridiculous and i for one have no problem buying a knock-off on Canal street for a tenth of the price.  Maybe only 1% of LV products sold are legit because only 1% of the population can actually afford them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

A good point about the 1%. I agree.

 

This article is ridiculous. Sofa, you don't seriously think Céline fans buy bags or pockets/wallets for $1000 a piece! LOL Anyway in MY opinion you can very well see a fake with your bare blue eyes. Not even the ridiculously low price is a hint in first place.

 

I for one like quality clothes yet I am not deluding myself into buying some fake designer goods since they would definitely not only be genuine but also very low quality. There are many great quality designer studios that are both high quality and affordable. Especially for a student.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, most clothiers and clothing companies out there have very affordable and very high quality products. I agree with that. Seb, I think you understand my purpose in this thread. I'm not telling everyone to go out there and spend thousands of dollars on clothes. I'm not an advocate for money squandering. I'm just stating how I feel about counterfeit goods.

 

It's black market. Many illegal and terroristic organizations are linked to the black market. That's how they fund their "projects." Buying even one small think that contributes to this illegal activity makes you a supporter, even indirectly.

Edited December 12, 2006 at 08:49 PM by Love,

[Mozinha]

I couldn't care less for designer goods. It's crazy. It's only clothes...

And honestly, I absolutely dislike anything by Vuitton.

[Célinefull]

fashion is the most insipid, self serving industry in the world.

 

Having said that, obviously they have a right to make and charge whatever price they want to for the things that they make, they are very beautiful and people with squillions of dollars certainly need something to spend it all on.

 

Those factories in China aren't run by mafioso they are dictated by businesses in Europe and the US that outsource the production of their goods to cut production costs.

 

Louis Vuitton doesn't produce things in asia, this is true; but pricing and the culture of marketing and promotion that tells people they ought to have certain things is certainly responsible for the counterfeit culture. The fashion industry by it's very nature trades on telling people what they should have and what they should look like, they then make a lot of money by selling those things to people, so those that can't afford something they've been told they 'must' have, get the next best thing.

[Clari]

.

And honestly, I absolutely dislike anything by Vuitton.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

\

I agree with you!

[angel_christ]

Fake brandname goods are very typical in Thailand. And more typical in Hong Kong. Mostly people buy them because they're way much cheaper, only rich people here would buy the genuine ones. But in Thailand, the fake and the genuine one can't be distinguished easily. The difference is the logo. I saw a woman wearing a "Chanel" shirt but technically it's not Chanel's because the logo was changed into "Chenal".

 

[CSCfan]

fashion is the most insipid, self serving industry in the world.

 

Having said that, obviously they have a right to make and charge whatever price they want to for the things that they make, they are very beautiful and people with squillions of dollars certainly need something to spend it all on.

 

Those factories in China aren't run by mafioso they are dictated by businesses in Europe and the US that outsource the production of their goods to cut production costs.

 

Louis Vuitton doesn't produce things in asia, this is true; but pricing and the culture of marketing and promotion that tells people they ought to have certain things is certainly responsible for the counterfeit culture. The fashion industry by it's very nature trades on telling people what they should have and what they should look like, they then make a lot of money by selling those things to people, so those that can't afford something they've been told they 'must' have, get the next best thing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Truer words have never been spoken..

[Love,]

fashion is the most insipid, self serving industry in the world.

 

Having said that, obviously they have a right to make and charge whatever price they want to for the things that they make, they are very beautiful and people with squillions of dollars certainly need something to spend it all on.

 

Those factories in China aren't run by mafioso they are dictated by businesses in Europe and the US that outsource the production of their goods to cut production costs.

 

Louis Vuitton doesn't produce things in asia, this is true; but pricing and the culture of marketing and promotion that tells people they ought to have certain things is certainly responsible for the counterfeit culture. The fashion industry by it's very nature trades on telling people what they should have and what they should look like, they then make a lot of money by selling those things to people, so those that can't afford something they've been told they 'must' have, get the next best thing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Fashion sets the standard for what you and I wear today, even indirectly, even in the little bits and pieces. Fashion is not just prices and how much one could buy. One cannot buy class and one cannot buy style... one's gotta just have it . Without fashion, you and I might be wearing sacks; might as well be nudies!

 

And your points in this discussion are true. The world of luxury is absolutely self-serving. The world of luxury is undoubtedly beautiful. And MOST luxurious things are of the highest standards and the highest quality. (i.e. You can't compare a Mercedes Benz S600 V-12 with a Lincoln Town Car). There is so much quality and craftsmenship in many of the things that are produced.

 

For everything made, there are the factors of production - land, labor, capital and entrepreneurship. These are the inevitable factors that affect the prices of things, affect how much we have to pay for things, and when we pay, how it will our overall economy.

 

With the "must have" information that you have inputed, I feel that each person have their own personal choice to do whatever they desire. For everything in this world, from singing, to acting, to theatre, to musical performances, to paint to beauty products to homes to etc... there will always be a best and a worst; it's the same for fashion. However the quote and unquote "next best thing" is the next worst thing, because one is carrying a fake and, no matter what degree, is supporting a crime.

Edited December 19, 2006 at 06:16 AM by Love,

[Célinefull]

For everything made, there are the factors of production -  land, labor, capital and entrepreneurship. These are the inevitable factors that affect the prices of things, affect how much we have to pay for things, and when we pay, how it will our overall economy.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

and the mark up, the profit made on these items how is that justified? The price of an idea, that's very subjective.