Apparel & Accessories Posts (browse other categories)

This is a great piece on ESPN on the prevalence of counterfeit NFL merchandise. What's discouraging is the assertion, made multiple times throughout the article and related video, that there is nothing to be done to combat this counterfeiting. Our members know that's not the case. Let's hope the NFL takes notice. http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/8900519/nfl-us-government-score-record-bust-fake-jerseys?appsrc=sc

That title says it all. Counterfeiting is lucrative, in the final analysis, because consumers love paying less. Read the following article describing Coach's efforts to shut down counterfeit sales at one particular flea market, and ask the very valid question: How can Coach expect consumers to care more for protecting the Coach brand than protecting their own wallets in these financially trying times?…read more

Google has announced that it is using a combination of key-word automated diligence and hands-on ad review in an attempt to curtail the ability of counterfeiters to present their banner ads to those searching for low-price brand goods. This is good news. First of all, Google has a strong record of putting ethics before profit motive. Secondly, like Collectors Proof, these measures hit…read more

It's that time of year where counterfeiting makes as many headlines as the big game itself. Once again, millions of dollars worth of fake Super Bowl merchandise is being confiscated but millions still falls through and makes it's way into the market place. Customs and border protection can only do so much. If your buying you better do your homework and make sure you are getting what you are…read more

This CNBC series on the "largest underground industry in the world" representing nearly 7% of all trade is a must-see for authenticity enthusiasts like us Collectors Proof members. The information is broken down very helpfully into merchandise, fake pharma, cyber crime, particularly dangerous counterfeits, and law enforcement's attempts to clean the whole mess up. Wallow in it here - but know that you will want to shower afterwards... http://www.cnbc.com/id/37824347

Further action on SOPA has been postponed in the House by its main sponsor, Rep. Lamar Smith. Power to the people! Support for the bill began eroding Wednesday afternoon in an accelerating fashion as the scope and energy of the negative reaction to it began to take shape. Read on... http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/sopa-action-delayed/2012/01/20/gIQAFxYhDQ_story.html…read more

This article provides a pithy summary of the rise in counterfeit trade goods and seizures (a 34% increase between '09 and '10). Key points: - counterfeiters are drifting down into the low-end, copying items that are already inexpensive, like Christmas tree lights. Where's the money in that? Well, it's in the cost savings associated with skimping on safety features such as fuses and adequate wiring gauge.…read more

If you saw Hangover 2, you may remember Zach Galifanakis' character warning a baggage handler to be careful with his Louis Vuitton handbag. It turns out he had nothing to worry about. The bag was a cheap knockoff. What a relief, huh? Not so fast. It may turn out to be the most expensive handbag in history. If Louis Vuitton has its way, Warner Brothers will be forced to edit the scene prior to future…read more

okay, we've all heard the news by now... Swirling clouds of pepper spray, crazies pulling clumps of hair out of competing shoppers' heads, cats sleeping wi dogs... wait... different story. Always, people have been nuts for Air Jordans for almost 30 years. Read why here. It's a look at the lifecycle of a collectible phenom... http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/air-jordans-25-years-of-the-coveted-collectible-sneaker/2010/12/20/ABvdMjJ_gallery.html?tid=pm_gal

A number of our members asked if the Jim Kelly promotion was still on. We called his office and they okayed a one-day extension for Tuesday, December 20, 2011. If you're a Bills fan, hurry! Here, again, are the details. For Collectors Proof members only (so make sure to mention you're a member!) - Jim Kelly Autographed Hall of Fame Panel Football - $99 Jim Kelly Autographed…read more