Amazon Fights Knockoff Products

Everyone loves a good dupe. Why pay $45 for that foundation when you can head to the drugstore and get something similar for $10? But what happens when the knockoffs become dangerous? 

Recently, Amazon – the online superstore – launched its Counterfeit Crimes Unit as a response to the fake products being sold under false pretenses. Amazon allows third party vendors to sell items through its trusted site, however, the tech mogul can’t seem to keep up with the knockoffs. In fact, last year alone, Amazon spent $400 million fighting lawsuits related to fraud and counterfeit abuse. Even Amazon products are duplicated and sold for less. 

While the company hosts a “brand registry” and offers clients the ability to flag fake products, the crimes unit is Amazon’s latest tactic to build trust with stakeholders. Even Nike has removed its product listings from the store because the presence of imposters pose a threat to their bottom line. 

And in all seriousness, this is not just about profit – it’s about safety. One of the biggest departments attacked by fraud is baby items – strollers, slings, swings, and more. In 2019, a fashionable car seat listed at $499 was copied and listed for $299. When the fraudulent car seat was crash-tested, it broke immediately into pieces. Another baby item, a custom sleeping apparatus, was also duplicated. This time, the dupe posed numerous safety threats to sleeping infants. 

Now, while Amazon isn’t liable for the damage caused by third party products, concerns are beginning to rise from the media, the public, and especially stores that claim they cannot afford to remove their products from the e-commerce giant. Not to mention, the fraudulent products threaten intellectual property rights. 

Amazon often hides behind the Communications Decency Act, which removes liability for speech by one party when using the web site of another. But as fraud cases are on the rise for Amazon, and with various injuries being too damaging to ignore, courts are starting to question the justification of Amazon’s protection. 

What do you think? Should Amazon be held accountable for every knockoff product listed? Or is that like buying knockoff items at a flea market and then suing the town? And if Amazon shuts down Seller Central, what would that mean for small businesses? Either way, knockoff products are illegal based on intellectual property laws. So, hopefully the Amazon Counterfeit Crimes Unit starts to make some waves in the e-commerce world. 

Until next time, I’m Francine D. Ward, intellectual property attorney, encouraging you to watch out for knockoffs. Not only are they dangerous and cheaply made – they’re also illegal.  

fRANCINE d. wARD

• IncapacityJune 22, 2026
  Incapacity. What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Protect Yourself Before It Happens Incapacity is one of the most disruptive events a person can face; yet, it is… Read more: Incapacity
• What is an Estate Plan?June 15, 2026
  WHAT IS AN ESTATE PLAN? An estate plan is the finished product—the complete set of legal documents that protects you, your assets, and the people you love. It is the… Read more: What is an Estate Plan?
• What is a Power of Attorney?June 8, 2026
  A Power of Attorney is one of the most misunderstood — yet most essential — documents in any estate plan. It determines who can step in and manage your financial… Read more: What is a Power of Attorney?
• Have FunJune 7, 2026
  Have Fun. Life Pillar. Last week, I talked about Fun as a life pillar, and not just the kind that comes from a trip or a party. Indeed, those experiences… Read more: Have Fun
• Life Pillar – FunJune 2, 2026
  Life Pillar – Fun is often the most misunderstood—and most neglected—pillar of a well‑designed life. People assume fun is optional, something you squeeze in after the “real” work is done.… Read more: Life Pillar – Fun