India remains one of the world’s largest markets for the production and sale of counterfeit goods. Each year, major international brands like Apple, Nike, HARMAN, Adidas, and Parimatch face countless instances of counterfeiting that result in billions of dollars in losses and harm their reputations, reports Silicon India.
The Indian counterfeit market spans a wide range of products, from clothing and electronics to gambling and sports betting services. Parimatch, a bookmaker preparing to enter the Indian market, has already encountered illegal websites offering gambling services under its name. This situation poses significant legal and financial challenges, forcing the company to combat fraudulent sites and safeguard its intellectual property, Parimatch commented.
According to the Indian Chamber of Commerce, which Parimatch is closely connected with, counterfeiting causes billions in losses to the Indian economy. Other well-known brands face similar problems. For instance, HARMAN, maker of the JBL audio brand, launched an anti-counterfeiting campaign in March 2024. Vikram Kher, Vice President of Lifestyle at HARMAN India, stated that the company is taking strict legal action against counterfeit sellers. In cooperation with law enforcement, HARMAN’s investigation team confiscated 54 fake JBL car speakers from stores in New Delhi. Parimatch supports this approach.
A notable example of successful anti-counterfeiting efforts is Adidas’s case in 2024, when a Delhi court banned a store owner from using the Adidas trademark for selling counterfeit products. “This case demonstrates how international brands can effectively defend their rights through litigation and collaboration with local authorities,” Parimatch said.
Parimatch emphasizes that counterfeiting is a global issue. For example, in 2024, U.S. border officials seized counterfeit goods originating from India, including fake Puma and Nike products. Parimatch predicts this high-profile case will deter counterfeiters worldwide.
Today, companies like Parimatch see active anti-counterfeiting efforts in India as a crucial part of protecting their brand. This requires a comprehensive strategy involving online monitoring, cybersecurity expertise, and legal action. “Only through such measures can damage from counterfeits be minimized and a company’s reputation safeguarded in the global market,” Parimatch concludes.
