World Cup warning: The difference between fake and counterfeit merchandise

WHETHER you are a long-time football fan or here for the vibes, millions around the world are celebrating and enjoying the FIFA World Cup.

- YASMINE JACOBS

But there is a darker side to the good vibes as authorities, brands and consumer watchdogs are warning supporters to be cautious when buying jerseys, memorabilia and other tournament-related merchandise.

Major sporting events often trigger a surge in the sale of counterfeit and fake goods, with scammers taking advantage of high demand for official products. While the terms “fake” and “counterfeit” are often used interchangeably, there are important differences between them.

Counterfeit vs fake: What's the difference?

A counterfeit product is designed to deliberately imitate a genuine branded item. It unlawfully uses a company’s trademarks, logos, packaging or branding to convince consumers that it is authentic.

For example, a jersey carrying FIFA branding or the logo of a national team without authorisation would be considered counterfeit if it is marketed as an official product.

Meanwhile, a fake product is a broader term that refers to an item that is not genuine. It may imitate the appearance of a popular product but does not necessarily use protected trademarks or claim to be official merchandise.