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Amazon Launches Anti-Counterfeiting Exchange to Combat Online Counterfeits in the Retail Industry

May 2, 2023
On April 20, 2023 Amazon launched the Anti-Counterfeiting Exchange (ACX) to combat the sale of counterfeit goods on its platform and make it safer for consumers to shop online. The program will allow participating stores and marketplace sellers to share information about confirmed counterfeiters who …
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Overview

On April 20, 2023 Amazon launched the Anti-Counterfeiting Exchange (ACX) to combat the sale of counterfeit goods on its platform and make it safer for consumers to shop online.

What is the Anti-Counterfeiting Exchange (ACX)?

The program will allow participating stores and marketplace sellers to share information about confirmed counterfeiters who attempt to sell counterfeit products. In accordance with industry standards and best practices, an independent third party provides anonymized data and access for participants to share and receive information. Retailers can then make their own independent decisions about whether and how to use the information. Amazon has indicated that they have already detected hundreds of counterfeiters through the exchange.

The initiative has received support from the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center and the Center for Data Innovation.

Amazon has indicated that it is working with other members of ACX to pilot the exchange and that it invites other retailers and marketplace service providers to join the Anti-Counterfeiting Exchange and collaborate on the retail industry’s collective efforts against counterfeiters.

Tracking Amazon’s Ongoing Anticounterfeiting Efforts

ACX is partner of a larger effort by Amazon in recent years to combat anticounterfeiting. In 2020, Amazon unveiled its Counterfeit Crimes Unit, a global, multi-disciplinary team of former federal prosecutors, experienced investigators and data analysts. The role of the Unit is to investigate counterfeiters on the platform, more effectively pursue civil litigation against counterfeiters, work with brands in joint or independent investigations; and aid law enforcement in criminal actions against counterfeiters. In March 2019 Amazon launched Project Zero to detect fake products before they are purchased.

Joining ACX

More information on becoming a member of ACX is available here.

Gibney will continue to monitor this initiative. For questions, please contact John Macaluso, Partner, Intellectual Property at jmacaluso@gibney.com.

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