Counterfeiting involves the imitation of a product and the unauthorized use of another party’s trademark, including registered brand names, logos, designs, scents, or other protected elements. These counterfeit items are often made to closely resemble authentic products, creating the false impression that they originate from the legitimate manufacturer. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, losses to American businesses from the counterfeiting of trademarked consumer goods are estimated at $250 billion annually.

The introduction of counterfeit merchandise into the marketplace is illegal. A common misconception is that labeling an item as “fake,” “faux,” “look-alike,” or “replica” makes the buying or selling of such goods permissible. This is not the case. Regardless of how an item is described, a counterfeit product remains illegal and constitutes trademark infringement. Counterfeit goods may appear in a variety of settings, from informal street sales and private gatherings to unauthorized transactions within otherwise legitimate retail environments. In all cases, the sale of counterfeit merchandise is subject to legal penalties, including fines, confiscation of goods, and potential prosecution. Consumers and consignors are strongly encouraged to avoid buying or selling any item whose authenticity is in question.

Trust is essential in retail and consignment. When customers discover that a business has sold a counterfeit item, confidence in that business is significantly compromised. At Miss Fitz Consignment and Gifts, we are firmly committed to authenticity. We will never knowingly sell counterfeit merchandise. If the authenticity of an item cannot be confidently verified, we reserve the right to decline the item or require authentication through our trained staff or a reputable third-party authentication service.