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Fact vs. Fiction : Counterfeit NBA Finals Merchandise

FICTION: There's no way for me to tell a real product from a fake.

FACT: Although counterfeiters are becoming savvier, fans can shop with caution and use the following guidelines to avoid being victimized:

• Look for the hologram sticker or holographic hangtag and a sewn-in or screen printed neck label identifying a licensee that has been authorized by the NBA to produce "genuine" or "official" merchandise.
• Shop at NBA-authorized retail locations, such as the Official Team Store and NBAStore.com - rather than buying items from street vendors, flea markets, or other questionable sources
• Beware of ripped tags or irregular markings on apparel.

FICTION: Counterfeiting isn't that big of a problem.

FACT: Counterfeiting is a significant issue, particularly during large sporting events like the NBA Finals. Since 1993, the NBA - through its membership in the Coalition to Advance the Protection of Sports logos (CAPS) - has been involved in the seizure of an estimated 9.9 million pieces of counterfeit merchandise featuring the logos of various professional sports leagues and teams, colleges and universities - valued at more than approximately $360 million.

FICTION: Counterfeit souvenirs are just as good as the real thing.

FACT: Counterfeits are notorious for inferior quality. Seized goods from past events have included misspelled player names, cracked screen-printing, poor embroidery, outdated logos, inaccurate team colors, and materials that do not meet applicable quality and safety standards.

FICTION: Counterfeits are reasonably priced souvenirs.

FACT: While some counterfeiters may lure fans with a low price tag or 2-for-1 deal, just as many try to legitimize their merchandise with a higher price point. Purchasing authorized league merchandise guarantees the quality and life of that souvenir, while also providing a reputable source for concerns, returns, and exchanges. Adds Ayala Deutsch, senior vice president & chief intellectual property counsel for the NBA: "When it comes to counterfeits, you get what you pay for. A counterfeit t-shirt is not a keepsake if it contains a typo or shrinks three sizes when you put it in the laundry."

FICTION: Counterfeiting doesn't impact the average consumer.

FACT: Businesses worldwide lose an estimated $600 - 700 billion annually due to counterfeiting, according to the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC). Local markets are not immune to the counterfeiting problem, as counterfeiters not only take sales away from authorized retailers in the area, but also fail to pay taxes to support the community. Every sale given to a counterfeiter is a potential sale lost by an honest local business. The NBA Finals are projected to spur millions of dollars in direct spending to both Los Angeles and Boston, a number that is only negatively impacted by counterfeiters.

FICTION: People don't try to sell counterfeits at official NBA events.

FACT: Large sporting events (including the NBA Finals) are a magnet for counterfeiters, many of whom travel around the country with the sole intention of scamming innocent sports fans. Security at all NBA Finals events will be tight and the league will be working closely with local state and federal law enforcement authorities, who will be responsible for enforcing laws prohibiting the sale of counterfeit merchandise.

FICTION: Customers are helpless against counterfeiters.

FACT: An organization exists to help consumers spot counterfeits: the Coalition to Advance the Protection of Sports logos (CAPS), an alliance formed by The Collegiate Licensing Company, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., NBA Properties, Inc., NFL Properties LLC, and NHL Enterprises, L.P. in 1992 to address common trademark protection and enforcement matters of its members. For more information, call 1-800-TEL-CAPS (835-2277) or visit www.capsinfo.com.

NOTE TO MEDIA:

An NBA representative will be available in Los Angeles and Boston prior to each game to provide tips on how customers can spot counterfeit goods, and also show examples of counterfeit items that have been seized at prior events. To arrange an interview, contact: Jennifer Peters of Fleishman-Hillard at 314-982-9167 or jennifer.peters@fleishman.com.

Fleishman-Hillard Sports Business
Jennifer Peters, 314-982-9167
jennifer.peters@fleishman.com