US Urged to Broaden Scope of Counterfeit Enforcement to Include Domestic Platforms
A recent development in the ongoing global effort to combat counterfeit goods has seen prominent industry stakeholders advocating for a more inclusive approach to enforcement. Just-Style reports that a call has been made for the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to consider including domestic online platforms in its notorious markets lists, a move that could significantly bolster efforts against the proliferation of counterfeit apparel and other goods.
The article, published on July 18, 2025, at 11:01 AM, highlights the growing sentiment that current enforcement strategies, while valuable, may not fully address the complexities of the modern e-commerce landscape. For years, the USTR’s notorious markets lists have served as a crucial tool in identifying and spotlighting markets, both physical and online, that are known to facilitate or engage in the trade of counterfeit and pirated goods. These lists aim to raise awareness, encourage action from governments and platform operators, and ultimately protect legitimate businesses and consumers.
However, the digital marketplace has evolved, with a significant portion of counterfeit goods now being sold through platforms that operate within national borders. Industry representatives and advocacy groups are increasingly pointing to the need for the USTR to acknowledge and address the role of these domestic platforms in the counterfeit trade. By including them in future notorious markets assessments, it is argued, the U.S. government would signal a stronger commitment to tackling counterfeiting at its source, regardless of geographic origin.
The inclusion of domestic platforms could bring several benefits. Firstly, it would create a more level playing field for legitimate businesses that are often undercut by the availability of cheaper, often inferior, counterfeit products. This is particularly pertinent for the apparel sector, where brand integrity and consumer trust are paramount. Secondly, it could incentivize domestic online marketplaces to implement more robust measures for identifying and removing counterfeit listings, thereby enhancing their own reputation and fostering a safer online shopping environment for American consumers.
Furthermore, such a move could encourage greater collaboration between rights holders, online platforms, and government agencies. By formally acknowledging the presence of counterfeit goods on these domestic sites, it could spur more proactive engagement and the development of effective solutions. This might include enhanced due diligence for sellers, improved intellectual property infringement reporting mechanisms, and more stringent content moderation policies.
The call for broader inclusion underscores a sophisticated understanding of how counterfeiting operates in the digital age. It recognizes that the fight against illicit trade requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses all avenues through which counterfeit goods reach consumers. As e-commerce continues its rapid expansion, ensuring that domestic platforms are an integral part of the enforcement narrative is seen as a vital step in safeguarding intellectual property rights, protecting consumer welfare, and supporting honest commerce. The USTR’s consideration of this proposal will be closely watched by many within the global business community.
US urged to include domestic platforms in apparel counterfeit lists
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Just Style published ‘US urged to include domestic platf orms in apparel counterfeit lists’ at 2025-07-18 11:01. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.