If you’ve ever come across a counterfeit product, you aren’t the only one. Between 2010 and 2014, the EU, U.S., and Japanese custom authorities seized millions in counterfeit products from China alone. Brand abuse can negatively impact every stage of the product life cycle, from its concept phase down to commercialisation. Its financial pitfalls are devastating and occasionally impossible to recover from. So—how do you track it?
How Brand Abuse Can Hurt Your Business
Customers expect a high-quality and seamless brand experience across all channels. One negative encounter can drastically impact your online efforts, allowing fraudsters to monetise. Four critical ways in which brand abuse can hurt your business are through:
What are the Different Forms of Brand Abuse?
Brand abuse takes on many faces. Among its most recognisable forms are through:
1. Brandjacking
Perpetrators assume your brand’s identity, deceiving trusting customers online.
2. Counterfeiting
Perpetrators manufacture and sell fake or pirated products on auction sites, eCommerce shops, and spam emails. These items are made to appear authentic.
3. Cybersquatting
Perpetrators abuse trademarks, domains, and names to lure buyers and sell illicit goods.
4. False Association
Perpetrators use misleading citations to deceptively imply a relationship with your brand.
5. Grey Market Selling
Perpetrators sell stolen goods through unauthorised channels at a premium. These items are listed as discounted or refurbished.
6. Malware
Perpetrators use email to deliver viruses, keyloggers, and other hijacking software.
7. PPC Abuse
Perpetrat ..
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