IrelandI was sold a counterfeit product. What offence is this?
Selling a counterfeit product in Ireland is a criminal offence under section 42 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007.
What the Law Says
The Consumer Protection Act 2007 makes it illegal for traders to supply counterfeit goods to consumers in Ireland.
Under section 42 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007, it is a criminal offence for any person to supply, or offer to supply, a 'counterfeit good' — meaning a product that falsely bears a trademark, trade name or other identifying mark without authorisation from the rights holder.
This applies whether the seller knew the item was counterfeit or not — strict liability applies. The law aims to protect consumers from deception and safeguard intellectual property rights.
A conviction can result in serious penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines.
Statutory TextA person who supplies or offers to supply a counterfeit good commits an offence.
— Consumer Protection Act 2007, s. 42 — Supply of counterfeit goods
What to Do
Report the sale to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) at ccpc.ie
Keep all evidence: receipt, photos of the product and packaging, and any communications with the seller
If you bought online, report the seller to the platform and request a refund
Consider contacting the brand owner — they may assist with verification and enforcement
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.