Unauthorized sellers refer to individuals or businesses that sell branded or trademarked goods without the consent of the brand owner. Some key characteristics:
- They source branded products through unauthorized channels like international markets or factory overruns.
- Products are often sold online through websites, marketplaces, or social media at discounted prices.
- Unauthorized sellers do not have a formal partnership or contract with the brand rights holder.
- Sales violate the brand’s intellectual property by circumventing official distribution channels.
- There is a lack of product authenticity verification and no brand quality control over unauthorized goods.
- Brand owners view it as copyright infringement and lose control over their reputation and client experience.
- Unauthorized sales threaten the integrity of an established supply chain and official retail partners.
- Some goods sold may be stolen, defective, expired or counterfeit versions of genuine brand name items.
Brands aim to curb unauthorized sales through legal action, monitoring online marketplaces, and partnering only with approved, licensed sellers.