11.28.11

Stamping out the menace of counterfeit pro football jerseys

Posted in Decline and Fall, Made in China at 2:03 pm by George Smith

With much fanfare, the Dept of Justice today announced the seizure of 150 Internet domains trafficking in counterfeit merchandise.

And what intellectual property was protected?

Mostly football jerseys, some sneakers and handbags. The best of the nation’s treasure going out the door. Until today. When it was finally stopped.

Spending your money in defense of “You want the NFL, go to the NFL” official legacy shirts, made in China.

The list, put together by Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement is here.

Paradoxically, the sports garment industry in this country was destroyed and moved to China. Which is where all the real stuff (and its counterfeits) come from now.

So Americans saw their jobs making such garments go bye-bye. And now, some Americans — trying to make a living selling counterfeits from the same place their jobs went, get to have their domains seized, too.

How’s that for Trade Adjustment Assistance?

Example greet screens of the confiscated domains are here, here and here.

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