Chinese counterfeiters are becoming increasingly sophisticated and clever on digital marketplaces and platforms. They use a variety of strategies to obscure their listings and deceive both automated filters and customers. Misleading redirects are among the most common methods, where users are guided through concealed links to third-party websites where the actual counterfeit products are sold. Another widespread tactic is product obfuscation, where counterfeiters offer products in slightly altered color variations that resemble the original but are not identical, allowing them to evade automated checks. Multi-layered listings further complicate traceability, as products are sold through a combination of various shops or intermediaries.
Artificial intelligence also plays a role, with AI-generated product descriptions and images deceiving online users, as they are difficult to distinguish from authentic content. The illusion of personalization, where counterfeiters offer customized options, convinces customers that they are purchasing a unique product when it is actually counterfeit. Keyword manipulation, such as deliberate misspellings, alternative spellings, or pseudonyms for brands, is used to bypass filtering mechanisms. Counterfeit goods are also often sold through closed groups or private forums that are not publicly accessible. Through a practice known as product hopping, sellers regularly change the products or brands they offer to avoid detection and bans. Even legitimate platform tools, such as affiliate programs or partner sales, are misused to expand their reach and pose as credible sellers. Automated bots generate convincing, positive reviews and ratings for counterfeit listings to build customer trust.
A sophisticated legal strategy to combat this advanced product piracy must leverage digital tools and methods. Technology-driven monitoring using AI and big data analysis makes it possible to detect suspicious activities early. Reverse image search and algorithms help identify counterfeit products and plagiarism patterns. Blockchain technology can enhance supply chain transparency and verify product authenticity, and evidence from blockchain databases can serve as the foundation for IP infringement lawsuits. Securing digital evidence is often indispensable, including collecting screenshots, server logs, and transaction records. Digital forensics can also trace the origins of counterfeits, such as identifying IP addresses and server locations. Only through the use of these modern technologies and close cooperation between rights holders and platform operators can the fight against product piracy be won in the long term.
Source: B2B platform 1688. The Dyson brand is referred to as “戴森 (Dyson)”, “dy/son”, or “戴DS森”.
China Intellectual Property Blog 