Replica, Counterfeit Items and Unauthorised Copies

Counterfeits, unauthorised replicas (such as counterfeit watches, handbags, or other accessories) or unauthorised copies (such as copies of software programmes, video games, music albums, movies, television programmes, or photographs) are not permitted on eBay. Unauthorised copies include (but are not limited to) copies that are pirated, duplicated, backed-up or bootlegged. It is illegal to sell unauthorised copies of media.

Guideline: If the product you're selling bears the name or logo of a company, but it wasn't made or endorsed by that company, don't list it on eBay.

Breaches of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

Listing cancellation
Limits on account privileges
Account suspension
Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
Loss of PowerSeller status

What about replica coins for collectors?

Any "reproduction" "replica" or "copy" coin (UK or foreign) must be plainly and permanently marked with the word COPY.

Some Examples

The following are examples of items that may not be listed on eBay:

A purse that has the Chanel® name on it, but was not made by Chanel
Sunglasses bearing the Oakley® name, but which are a style not made by Oakley
A fake autograph passed off as the real thing
Replacement parts for an HP® printer which use HP parts number and name, but were not made by HP
Pirated copies of video games
VHS, CD-R , or DVD-R copies of television programs taped off of television
"Backup" or "archival" copies of software programs
Pirated copies of music
"Bootleg" recordings of live music performances
"Home video" versions of a movie still in theaters
Software loaded onto a hard drive that is not being sold with the original media (disks, manuals, etc.)
CD-Rs containing scanned pages from a book, magazine, manual or other copyrighted written materials that were not written by you

Why does eBay have this policy?

eBay urges sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations. Since the sale of counterfeit items, unauthorised replicas and unauthorised copies is prohibited by law, sellers may not list these items on eBay. This policy helps protect buyers from purchasing counterfeit or fraudulent items, helps protect intellectual property rights owners against infringement, and helps create a safer marketplace.

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