Matt Schmidt of the International Trademark Association says counterfeit goods can not only be inconvenient but unsafe.
"I sure wouldn't want to get into a car or plane that has counterfeit parts, brake line, fuel line or anything like that," Schmidt says.
In the case of medications both over the counter and prescription grade, the fake goods can even be deadly. He claims the phony merchandise is often made overseas and sold on-line and replication can be very convincing.
"If a logo or brand is part of that packaging that they (consumers) recognize, then they think there is some measure of authenticity or genuineness to it," he says.
Schmidt emphasizes that authentic goods have copyrights and trademarks which are backed by regulations to ensure the product is safe. The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin says there is little they or the US government can do if you are harmed by a counterfeit product, from a foreign based business.
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 1:00)
