Gorodissky IP Security specialists conducted a comparative analysis of the online motor oil

market and found that around 35% of motor oils offered online show signs of being counterfeit.

At the same time, the proportion of such oils varies significantly by region, ranging from 20% in

some regions to as much as 50% in others.

The study covered leading motor oil manufacturers, including LIQUI MOLY, Motul, Castrol,

TOTAL, G-Energy and others, and assessed a number of parameters. The principal criterion in

this case was a price deviation of 40% or more from the retail prices offered by authorised

dealers.

For example, one litre of LIQUI MOLY 5W-40 Diesel Synthoil costs RUB 1,359 on the

authorised dealer’s website, lm-shop.ru. The same product can be purchased on avito.ru for as

little as RUB 700, while some online stores offer it for RUB 600 Such a significant price

difference is, at the very least, a reason to question the origin of the product.

Of all online offers identified as having a significant deviation from authorised dealer prices, the

largest proportions were found in Moscow, at 15%, and St Petersburg, at 10%.

Gorodissky IP Security analyses online offers using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The software scans offers across the Internet, including online stores, marketplaces, classified

advertising platforms and social media, in real time. It identifies offers that deviate from genuine

products according to various configurable parameters, including price, design, keywords and

trade marks.

The automated search results are reviewed by a team of experienced analysts, which helps ensure

the highest possible level of accuracy. On average, the initial collection and processing of data

takes approximately two weeks. Where regular monitoring is conducted, data is automatically

uploaded to the Gorodissky IP Security platform every day. For most resources, the information

is updated within several hours.

Continuous monitoring combined with pre-litigation enforcement measures reduces the

proportion of counterfeit goods online by at least 30% to 50%.

The Gorodissky IP Security platform was developed by the IT specialists of Gorodissky &

Partners, a leading Russian intellectual property law firm.

The Problem of Counterfeit Motor Oils

Offers include both commonly purchased containers of one, four and five litres and drums

containing between 100 and 300 litres, which are generally supplied only to vehicle inspection

stations and repair workshops and are not intended for general retail sale.

Motor oils, like any other products, are copied and sold as counterfeits. However, unlike other

product categories, where imported counterfeit goods prevail over locally manufactured

products, the counterfeit motor oil market is characterised by the local development of both

production and distribution.

Counterfeit oil production facilities are generally located in different regions of Russia. For

example, counterfeit containers may be manufactured at one location, labels printed in another

region or city, the oil itself produced at a third location, and the final product packaged and

dispatched to various warehouses from a fourth location.

This approach makes it possible to establish warehouses for the production or bottling of

counterfeit goods quickly in different regions and cities. All the equipment and materials

required to organise a counterfeit production site can be delivered rapidly. At the same time,

problems at one location do not disrupt the entire operation.

Counterfeit products are often difficult to identify not only for consumers, but also for

professional market participants such as vehicle repair centres and sellers. In pursuit of lower

prices, they may also purchase counterfeit products.

The problem of counterfeit motor oils affects both the end customer and the manufacturer. For

consumers, the use of counterfeit motor oil may damage engine components and result in costly

vehicle repairs. For rights holders, it causes reputational harm and financial losses.

About the Firm

Gorodissky & Partners is Russia’s largest intellectual property and TMT law firm, with offices in

Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Approximately 140 patent attorneys and lawyers at Gorodissky & Partners represent clients

before patent offices in matters concerning the registration of intellectual property rights, and

before courts and administrative authorities in infringement and unfair competition cases.

The firm’s specialists participate in judicial and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, advise

clients on transactions involving intellectual property rights, conduct intellectual property audits

and provide legal services relating to information and personal data protection, advertising and

media, online content and e-commerce, taxation and other matters.

15 July 2026

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