Can Someone Explain the Difference to Me - Fake, Look-a-like, & Replica??

jbdgoods · 14-09-2009, 06:27 AM

What is the difference between a 'Fake' a 'Look-a-like' or a 'Replica'.

What is the main differences and which are permitted to be sold on the WholesaleForums?

Thanks for any help with this issue.

**Andy777** · 14-09-2009, 06:42 AM

Fakes & Replicas are basically the same - copies of branded products with all the right logos in place etc.

"Look-a-like" is an item that look much like the original but is un-branded or branded with a different name. For example, MP3 player that looks like iPod Shuffle, but is made in China by a 3rd party company. "Lool-a-like" items won't carry original brand's logo and are legal unless any trade marks are violated.

cpc · 14-09-2009, 09:13 AM

One thing to point out. Replica do not necessarily mean fake in the US sports apparel business. New Game day Jerseys may cost up to $250 and the new replica jerseys normally sell up to $89.00.....

Andy is correct, fakes & Replicas are basically the same - copies of branded products with all the right logos in place etc..... but not in professional US sports apparel business.

BeemerMad · 14-09-2009, 02:25 PM

A replica is not a fake, a replica in consumer terms usually means a genuine copy of the original article.

For example every football shirt that is sold is a replica of the originals worn on match day. A matchbox car may be a scaled down 'replica' of Jenson Buttons F1 car, etc. They are all officially merchandised by the official companies.

Fake well, they are fake full stop and are not allowed and lookalikes are allowed as long as they are not branded with the official name on.

**Pete** · 14-09-2009, 02:42 PM

You are beginning to paint with too broad a brush. Yes, sports uniforms are an exception. And while models are by their very definition replicas of the real thing, that is a dictionary explanation, not one as seen on the net. In general, there are thousands of fakes advertised as replicas and this is what the thread is about.

With a few exceptions, replica = fake = counterfeit. The only difference is that most will not admit to selling fakes or counterfeits, but they will use the word replica, trying to give some legitimacy to their offering.

So, while replica jerseys are in fact licensed goods and an occasion release of other brand name vintage products as replicas may be authorized by the brand holder (Coca-Cola comes to mind), 99% of the "replicas" promoted on the web are simply fakes with a label of replica.

jbdgoods · 18-09-2009, 04:57 AM

OK, I think i am understanding this now.

So Replicas = Fakes and are not allowed to be sold here.

Look-a-likes can be sold here as long as the branding on the item is not the same as the original company, which makes it a look-a-like and not a fake.

Is this correct?

Ultravox · 18-09-2009, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbdgoods

OK, I think i am understanding this now.

So Replicas = Fakes and are not allowed to be sold here.

Look-a-likes can be sold here as long as the branding on the item is not the same as the original company, which makes it a look-a-like and not a fake.

Is this correct?

Correct.

**JustCraig** · 18-09-2009, 08:34 AM

Unless its a football shirt.....then you can sell Replicas too.

**canada** · 18-09-2009, 08:53 PM

There's licensing agreements for sport jerseys ,unlicensed are counterfeit.

Scott

jbdgoods · 19-10-2009, 08:49 PM

thanks everyone for replying