While some may not make the differentiation, there is a huge difference between a replica handbag or other fashion product (shoes, sunglasses, etc.) and a fake handbag. A replica is a product that carries a similar design, such as a handbag that is made to resemble a certain Prada clutch however that clutch doesn’t pretend to come from Prada. It’s not carrying that brand logo and isn’t marketed as such.
A fake on the other hand is a blatant attempt to produce a counterfeit. It’s the process of producing a handbag, a pair of glasses, clothing or other product and placing a designer name on it despite the fact that the item did not originate from that designer. While there is a big difference between the two, they’re both bad.
Both products hurt the fashion industry, so much so that other countries are fighting back and take the counterfeiting as seriously as someone making fake money. France is one example of a country that completely understands the harm these black-market fakes are causing the major brands - as well as the consumer that spends hard-earned money on a cheap knock-off.
In France, buying or carrying a counterfeit product (fashion accessory or otherwise) is a criminal offense and it’s punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment along with a hefty fine of €300 000. Note that it doesn’t just target those who make or sell the products, but those carrying them as well. That’s why it’s important to know what you’re buying - especially if you purchase designer used handbags.
While the movement hasn’t taken hold in other parts of the world, French lawmakers want to help protect the intellectual property of designers and they’re trying to stretch their reach onto the web. They’ve long developed a charter among companies to help keep fake products off the web. It’s a measure to standardize the way luxury labels, apparel, designers and pharmaceutical companies cooperate with the ecommerce sites in an effort to do away with counterfeit products.
While the coverage is isolated to France for the most part, there’s nothing that says other countries and governments could follow suit in order to levy heavy fines on offenders. Enforcement could even be a lucrative business for governments depending on how well they reinforced their own laws. France is taking it to strict levels, as they don’t just target the counterfeiting companies. If you’re a buyer, you can take a hit as well. Those who are caught pirating music and software online are denied the ability to access the internet.
This kind of forward thinking has us moving in the right direction but truthfully it won’t take hold until people stop seeking out fakes in the first place. More often than not it’s just a matter of getting something that looks real for a fraction of the cost. If people took the time to research the products they love, they would see that many can be purchased used that are designer labels and real products, like designer used handbags. Ditch the desire for fakes or replicas and shop smart for designer used handbags that last.
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