NYC’s recent crackdown on sellers of counterfeit bags isn’t enough, says Council Member Margaret Chin. Her bill would punish the buyers of these goods with up to a $1000 fine and one year in jail.
Chin wants to support the local economy by encouraging tourists to buy goods made in New York City. She believes the trade of counterfeit goods is linked to child labor and even terrorism.
Council Member Gale Brewer, a supporter of the bill, even speculated that there’s a link between the sale of these goods and the Chinese mafia. She commends Chin for her efforts.
“I thought it was really innovative and gutsy of her,” Brewer said.
The bags in the shops are not the target. They are similar to the real thing, but they are not replicas. They do not have the counterfeit tags and replicas of logos, etc. They are not illegal.
The bags sold on the streets are illegal, complete with fake, replicated tags and logos, an infringement on copyright laws.
Yet many tourists continue to purchase the replica bags with little regard for the implications on the local economy, child labor, terrorism, or any other consequences.
Check out the video to see why Chin is so concerned.