As not just a sports event, but a multi-billion-dollar industry, the Super Bowl attracts many counterfeiters and online scammers.
In general, these scammers have as their prime targets fans that are looking for official merchandise and betting platforms.
Some key statistics, announced by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) are the following:
$39.5M
In counterfeit sports merchandise have been seized.
In counterfeit sports merchandise have been seized.
200,000+
Counterfeit merchandise and apparel were seized.
Counterfeit merchandise and apparel were seized.
21,000+
Third-party domains detected, impersonating Super Bowl betting brands to mislead fans and conduct scams.
Third-party domains detected, impersonating Super Bowl betting brands to mislead fans and conduct scams.
21,000+
Third-party domains detected, impersonating Super Bowl betting brands to mislead fans and conduct scams.
Third-party domains detected, impersonating Super Bowl betting brands to mislead fans and conduct scams.
As excitement builds for the Super Bowl LIX, collaborative initiatives between Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and major sports leagues, are tackling the growing challenge of counterfeit merchandise and online trademark abuse.
How do Counterfeits
Impact the Industry?
Financial losses:
Undermines official retailers and brand owners.
Security risks:
Counterfeit goods often support illicit activities.
Fan deception:
Consumers unknowingly purchase lower-quality items.
How Can the NFL Strengthen Its IP Protection?
Tools such as SmartProtection will serve as a comprehensive approach to:
- Track and remove counterfeit listings across online marketplaces.
- Prevent illegal live event streams.
- Preventing brand impersonation by eliminating website spoofing and fraudulent use.
- Control of ads to maintain customer trust and drive traffic to legitimate campaigns.
Enhancing partnerships with authorities is key to cracking down on counterfeit operations and helping consumers make informed purchases.
Operation Team Player
Is a proven example of success. Since its launch in 2013, it has seized over
$455 million
in counterfeit sports merchandise, making it the largest federal anti-counterfeiting initiative.
