The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Amazon Sues Influencers Over Alleged Counterfeit Ring

Robert Williams

13 November 2020

The tech giant has alleged two social media influencers have been using their accounts on Instagram and TikTok to promote counterfeit goods sold through its marketplace, CNBC reported. The move comes as Amazon is seeking to court brands long wary of counterfeiting on the site to its new luxury hub.

Amazon filed a lawsuit on Thursday in which it alleged the influencers promoted listings that looked like unbranded products, but would explain in social media posts how various designer fakes, including Lady Dior bags and Gucci belts, would be shipped out instead. Eleven other individuals and businesses in the US and China participated in the scheme, according to CNBC’s report.

About the author

Robert Williams

Robert Williams is Luxury Editor at the Business of Fashion. He is based in Paris and drives BoF’s coverage of the dynamic luxury fashion sector.

In This Article

Topics

Op-Ed | How Long Can Adidas Surf the ‘Terrace’ Trend?

As a push to maximise sales of its popular Samba model starts to weigh on its desirability, the German sportswear giant is betting on other retro sneaker styles to tap surging demand for the 1980s ‘Terrace’ look. But fashion cycles come and go, cautions Andrea Felsted.

How Rent the Runway Came Back From the Brink

The rental platform saw its stock soar last week after predicting it would hit a key profitability metric this year. A new marketing push and more robust inventory are the key to unlocking elusive growth, CEO Jenn Hyman tells BoF.

For Struggling Public Companies, Going Private Is No Panacea

Nordstrom, Tod’s and L’Occitane are all pushing for privatisation. Ultimately, their fate will not be determined by whether they are under the scrutiny of public investors.

Why Esprit’s Ambitious Rebrand Fell Short

The company is in talks with potential investors after filing for insolvency in Europe and closing its US stores. Insiders say efforts to restore the brand to its 1980s heyday clashed with its owners’ desire to quickly juice sales in order to attract a buyer.