Tully's Letters

Well... if you're a successful, upmarket brand like Hermes or New Balance, and you're faced with a marketplace that is flooded with knock-offs of your product, Harvey is the man that should be on your speed dial.

Mr. Lewin pursues counterfeiters for these big names and a host of others... including Cie. Financiere Richmont AG, where he brokered a settlement of almost $600 million for the watch and jewelry maker. Counterfeit products range from the mom and pop next door selling fake Kate Spade bags to legitimate factory owners in China who might run a 'special' night shift that produces near name brand sneakers.

Virtually ever industry is affected by counterfeit goods, including app. 2% of airplane parts installed each year to around 10% of pharmaceutical drugs sold in the US. So, what words of wisdom does Mr. Lewin have for those marketers who are trying to carve out their niche?

If your a fashion designer, carefully monitor which buyers you have sent samples to for review. The are easily accessible to those interested in making a knock off of your product. When registering a trademark, it's important to register any series of words that look or sound like the trademark.

Understand that counterfeit products are not law enforcement's top priority. You need to take matters, legally, into your own hands.