Anti-Counterfeiting Legal Strategies, Enforcement & Remedies
Greer, Burns & Crain (GBC) has a proven track record of success in fighting online counterfeiting, and can help you protect your brand’s intellectual property (IP) rights. IP violations on platforms like Amazon, eBay, Temu, Alibaba and others have become a significant problem for brands of all sizes. The majority of the third-party sellers on Amazon are in China, which complicates traditional enforcement methods. Additionally, many online counterfeiters operate under multiple different storefronts.
Brand owners have turned to litigation as a powerful and effective tool to combat the growing problem of online counterfeiting. GBC has developed a unique and innovative strategy to target and shut down hundreds of online counterfeit sellers by filing multi defendant lawsuits in federal courts. The lawsuits seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) for IP infringement violations, which includes violating trademark, copyright and/or design patent rights.
The TRO also includes an asset restraint against the sellers’ accounts, which are often held by third-party payment processors such as Amazon, eBay and PayPal. By freezing the sellers’ funds, GBC can prevent them from transferring their ill-gotten gains to offshore accounts and hold masked online sellers accountable. As a result of GBC’s diligent efforts, the number of counterfeit listings on Amazon and other platforms has decreased significantly for its clients.
GBC has successfully represented over a hundred different brands in these Schedule “A” lawsuits to enforce IP rights. With thousands of cases filed against hundreds of thousands of online sellers, GBC has been the top filer of lawsuits against China based ecommerce stores for over a decade.
GBC’s strategy not only works, but it is also efficient and cost-effective. By suing multiple sellers in a single case, GBC can save time and money for the plaintiffs and avoid duplicating efforts and resources. GBC also leverages its experience in handling various IP matters with advanced technology and tools to identify, monitor, and track online counterfeit sellers.
Contact GBC for a no cost assessment for your brand.
Leading worldwide investigations and conducting raids to seize counterfeit merchandise
Our efforts against counterfeiters are not limited to the United States. Working from our Chicago base, GBC has an established international network of investigators and attorneys for identifying counterfeiters and taking legal and other enforcement actions against them. GBC attorneys have organized hundreds of investigations and raids in the Unites States, China, and Europe that have resulted in the seizure of hundreds of thousands of counterfeit products.
Facilitating United States and foreign customs training that results in the seizure of counterfeit products
We know how to use law enforcement to protect our clients against counterfeiters. Effective anti-counterfeit programs often utilize customs and law enforcement authorities around the world to enforce brand owners’ rights. GBC attorneys have substantial experience working with law enforcement and customs authorities internationally to protect clients’ brands.
Litigating against counterfeiters in United States Federal Courts
We know how to punish counterfeiters in court. Effective counterfeit enforcement often includes litigation. Title 15 of the Unite States Code calls for damages of up to $2 million dollars for counterfeiting. GBC has brought numerous such lawsuits in the United States and has obtained significant judgments for clients.
GBC stays at the forefront of the constantly evolving legal framework for counterfeit enforcement worldwide, and our attorneys are active members of leading anti-counterfeiting organizations including the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) and International Trademark Association (INTA).