How to Handle Counterfeit Products on Wish: Reporting Process and Penalty Rules Explained

Counterfeit products harm both buyers and legitimate sellers on e-commerce platforms like Wish. For sellers, accidentally listing imitation goods can lead to severe penalties, while buyers risk receiving low-quality or unsafe items. This guide breaks down Wish’s anti-counterfeit policies, explains how to report fake products, and clarifies the platform’s penalty system to help you navigate these challenges confidently.

Understanding Wish’s Anti-Counterfeit Policy

Wish enforces strict rules against intellectual property (IP) infringement. Sellers must ensure listed items do not replicate trademarks, logos, or patented designs without authorization. The platform uses automated scans and manual reviews to detect violations. Third-party inspectors may evaluate reported products, and failure to comply leads to penalties under Wish’s Merchant Policy.

How to Report Counterfeit Products on Wish

Follow these steps to flag suspicious listings:

• Step 1: Log into your Wish account and locate the counterfeit product.
• Step 2: Click “Report Item” near the product description.
• Step 3: Select “Intellectual Property Violation” as the reason.
• Step 4: Provide evidence (e.g., trademark certificates, original product images).

Wish typically reviews reports within 48 hours. If validated, the listing is removed, and the seller faces penalties. For urgent cases, contact Wish Support directly.

Wish’s Penalty System for Counterfeit Sellers

Sellers face escalating consequences for IP violations:

• First Offense: Warning and mandatory anti-counterfeit training.
• Second Offense: $500 fine and temporary store suspension.
• Third Offense: Permanent account termination.

Additional penalties apply if sellers delay refunds, ship unauthorized replacements, or harass users disputing orders. These align with Wish’s Terms of Service updates in 2023.

Avoiding Accidental Counterfeit Sales

Many sellers unknowingly list fake goods due to:

• Unverified suppliers
• Misinterpreted licensing agreements

Prevent mistakes by:

• Requesting suppliers’ IP documentation.
• Using Wish’s Brand Owner Portal to pre-approve designs.
• Regularly auditing listings for trademarked keywords.

Disputing False Counterfeit Claims

If Wish wrongly removes your product:

1. Submit a dispute via the Merchant Dashboard within 7 days.
2. Attach proof of authenticity (e.g., invoices, licensing contracts).
3. Await re-inspection by Wish’s IP team.

Note: Only 32% of disputes succeed due to incomplete evidence, as noted in Wish’s 2023 Transparency Report.

2023 Updates to Wish’s Counterfeit Policies

Key changes include:

• Faster Refunds: Buyers automatically receive refunds if tracking shows delayed or rejected shipments.
• 7-Day Return Guarantee: Customers can return items marked “non-counterfeit” but later proven fake.
• AI-Powered Scans: Wish now uses image recognition to flag potential fakes pre-listing.

These updates aim to reduce counterfeit disputes by 45%, per Wish’s internal targets.

Conclusion

Navigating counterfeit issues on Wish requires understanding its reporting workflows, penalty structure, and dispute options. Proactive steps like vetting suppliers and monitoring policy changes can prevent costly violations. Always document transactions and respond swiftly to infringement notices to protect your seller account.