Here’s how Mercedes fights counterfeiting

In 2022, Mercedes seized more than 1.6 million counterfeit parts. A phenomenon up by more than 23% last year.

The trade of counterfeit Mercedes products continues to grow around the world, especially on the internet. In 2022, the German manufacturer noted a significant increase in counterfeiting activities on social networks and online sales sites.

Compared to the previous year, the number of ads removed on the internet for counterfeit spare parts has increased by more than 23%, to reach more than 155,000 cases. In 2022, it is a total of more than 1.6 million counterfeit products which were seized during more than 620 customs and police searches.

Counterfeiting: a scourge taken very seriously at Mercedes

The quality of counterfeit products is generally poor and does not meet minimum legal safety requirements. They therefore represent a significant health and safety risk road users.

A dedicated team at the Intellectual Property Competence Center at Mercedes-Benz works closely collaboration with customs and police authorities around the world, to put an end to counterfeiters of German brand products.

In addition to the sale of the usual counterfeit products, such as brake discs, wheels, or body and steering parts, online platforms will continue to be closely monitored by Mercedes brand protectors. In fact, it is often difficult to visually distinguish counterfeit products from genuine parts.

Measures against counterfeit products

Counterfeiters who trade in counterfeit goods take advantage of the anonymity and decentralized nature of online retail sites. This is why Mercedes has implemented strategic and operational measures against counterfeiting on the Internet, with a protection strategy based on three pillars: detect, attack and prevent. For example, Mercedes brand protectors regularly offer training and information material to raise awareness among customs authorities, or service providers.

A few simple criteria can alert consumers when shopping. This begins with the careful examination of online sales offers: the classic clues for detecting counterfeit products are a very low price, anomalies in the quality of the product, or sales from dubious online sources. In some cases, examining product images or designations gives a clue to their authenticity, as Mercedes-Benz does not manufacture these products at all.

Read also :
• Electric Mercedes CLA: everything we already know
• And if you bought a Mercedes-Benz dragster, limousine version?
• VIDEO – He rebuilds the Mercedes Vision AVTR concept… in wood!