Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 8:02:47 PM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Denim Detective Unzips Fake Jeans Biz

Posted Sep 6, 08 5:06 PM CDT in Arts & Living,  Crime & Courts,  Business 

(Newser) – Chris Johnson likes collecting women's jeans, but he doesn't wear them—he's one of hundreds of fashion detectives hired by designers to spot knockoffs, the Los Angeles Times reports. Johnson trolls stores and Internet sites for clients like True Religion who want to put counterfeiters out of business. The fakes "hurt the brand integrity and deter people from purchasing the product," said a True Religion rep.

Last year, customs officials seized $197 million in fake goods, most of it from China. But it's difficult to stop counterfeiters, Johnson says, because penalties aren't tough enough and most cases can't be prosecuted overseas. Some of Johnson's investigations drag on for years: "It's kind of like playing Whac-a-Mole at the circus. You get one, another one comes popping up."

Source Los Angeles Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
Jeans Macro   ((c) martinhoward)
Jean companies say those who buy knockoffs will be dissatisfied, but many customers can't tell the difference.   (Flickr)
A stack of designer jeans.   (Shutterstock)
A denim detective scours stores in Los Angeles to spot knockoffs.   (Shutterstock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

The counterfeiting problem exists with Rolex watches and high-end jeans because people want the cachet without spending the money. - Douglas Masters, intellectual property lawyer

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

business • knockoff • counterfeiters • private investigator • jeans • apparel


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Business Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »