Reselling AliExpress products: avoid counterfeits, brands and IP problems

The fastest way to lose a reseller account — or face a legal claim — is selling counterfeit or infringing goods. Many cheap marketplace listings copy brands, characters or patented designs. Here is how to stay clear.

What counts as a problem

• Counterfeits: items that use a brand name or logo without permission, including “inspired by”, “1:1” or blurred-logo listings.
• Trademark misuse in titles: using brand names to attract searches when the product isn’t made by that brand. “Compatible with” wording is sometimes allowed for accessories, but only when it is accurate and not misleading — check your platform’s policy.
• Copyright: characters, artwork, movie and game merchandise, sports teams, and the seller’s own product photos.
• Design patents: some popular gadgets are protected designs; copies can be removed even without a logo.

Red flags on a listing

• A famous brand at a fraction of retail price.
• Logos hidden, blurred or shown only in “details” photos.
• Titles like “for AirPods”, “Disney”, “Stanley-style” or similar brand references.
• New sellers with few orders and stock photos copied from a brand site.

Safer product choices

Stick to generic, unbranded products whose value is their function: organizers, tools, kitchen gadgets, pet accessories, camping gear, LED lights, phone stands. Build your own listing photos and descriptions, and if you want a brand, create your own (private label) and check that the name isn’t already a registered trademark.

Platform rules to know

• eBay’s VeRO program lets rights owners remove listings and can lead to account restrictions.
• Etsy, Facebook and TikTok Shop all remove counterfeit or infringing items and can suspend repeat offenders.
• Customs can seize counterfeit goods at the border, so you may lose the stock and the money.

Safety and compliance

Beyond IP, some product types need certification to be sold legally in many countries: electronics and chargers (e.g. CE/UKCA/FCC marks), toys and children’s items, cosmetics, food-contact items and anything with batteries. If you can’t verify compliance, don’t resell it.

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General information, not legal advice. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.