This Counterfeit Goods Policy explains what counts as a counterfeit item on AYE Market, how it differs from a legitimate generic or unbranded product, how honestly-labeled replica items are treated, and how both buyers and rights holders can report a suspected fake. It applies across every category where branded goods appear, most commonly Electronics, Phones & Tablets, Fashion, and Beauty.
1. What counts as counterfeit
A counterfeit item is one that copies a genuine brand's trademark, logo, packaging, or design and is presented — through its listing title, description, photos, or price framing — as if it were an authentic product from that brand, when it is not. This includes fake versions of branded electronics, phones, watches, clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories.
2. Generic and unbranded goods are fine
A product that simply isn't branded — a plain phone case, an unbranded charging cable, a generic skincare item — is not counterfeit. Selling generic or unbranded goods is completely acceptable, as long as you never claim or imply they're made by, endorsed by, or affiliated with a brand they aren't. The problem is misrepresentation, not the absence of a famous name.
3. What's prohibited
- Listing a fake or replica item using a genuine brand's name, logo, or model number as if it were authentic.
- Using a genuine brand's official product photos to advertise a non-genuine item.
- Describing a fake item as "original," "genuine," "authentic," or similar language when it isn't.
- Selling counterfeit packaging, boxes, or authentication cards/certificates separately from the item, intended to help someone else pass off a fake as real.
4. If you sell replica or "inspired by" items
AYE Market does not encourage selling replica or imitation branded goods, and doing so may still violate trademark rights that belong to the brand regardless of how you label it — that legal exposure is the seller's own responsibility, not something AYE Market can waive. If you choose to list this kind of item anyway, honesty is the minimum requirement, not a workaround:
- The listing title and description must clearly state the item is a replica, imitation, or "inspired by" design — never implying it is the genuine branded product.
- You must not use the brand's official marketing photos or claim brand affiliation, endorsement, or authenticity in any form.
- Even a clearly and honestly labeled replica remains subject to all other rules in this policy, our Prohibited Items Policy, and Ethiopian law — clear labeling reduces the risk of removal for misrepresentation, it does not guarantee the listing is legal or permitted.
5. Reporting a suspected counterfeit
If you come across a listing you believe is selling a fake, tap Report on the listing and choose "Selling Prohibited Items" as the reason, adding detail about why you believe it's counterfeit. Every report reaches a human moderator's review queue.
6. Rights-holder complaints
If you're a brand or rights holder and believe a listing infringes your trademark by selling counterfeit goods, follow the same takedown process described in our Copyright & Intellectual Property Policy — email ayetechub@gmail.com with the listing URL and a description of the infringement. Every claim is reviewed manually by our team.
7. Enforcement
| Violation | Typical action |
|---|---|
| Counterfeit item misrepresented as genuine (first instance) | Listing removed, formal warning |
| Repeat counterfeit listings | Account suspension |
| Large-scale or clearly deliberate counterfeit operation | Immediate permanent ban |
8. Applicable law
This policy is governed by the laws of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Selling counterfeit goods may carry legal consequences under Ethiopian trademark and consumer protection law independent of any action AYE Market takes.
9. Contact
Questions about this policy, or a report you'd like to escalate: ayetechub@gmail.com.