Legal Question in Consumer Law in New York

International trade restrictions

I have the opportunity to buy goods wholesale from China. I see that other people are doing it. They act as the intermediary between the sellers in China and the Retailers in the US. At times they even act as the retailer and sell the items on websites or on Ebay. Just as an example: I have the ability to purchase 100 authentic NFL jerseys at a cost of $15 per jersey. These Jersey's can then be sold for over $200.00 at retail. Is this legal? I came across this issue when I purchased an authentic NFL jersey that retails for over $250 for $25 on Ebay. If this is not legal how are they getting away with it? If it is illegal are there legal ways of doing it?


Asked on 8/04/07, 6:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Colleluori The Law Offices of Anthony J. Colleluori & Associates PLLC

Re: International trade restrictions

It is highly illegal. They get away with it because customs can only check about 1% of what comes through its gates. They are busting the trademarks. If you are accused of doing that the risk is high and the costs can include up to 20 years in a federal pen and legal fees starting in the mid to high 5 figures.

Not worth it.

PS. The feds monitor Ebay.

Oh you can retail by purchasing the license from NFL Properties.

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Answered on 8/06/07, 11:34 pm


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