Gorodissky IP Security analysts conducted a nationwide study of the online market for children’s

products in Russia. The purpose of the study was to identify and assess how counterfeit

children’s products reach online stores.

The study was based on independent data collected through a proprietary automated system

using artificial intelligence algorithms and modern technologies for searching and processing

information on the Internet.

The study identified the following principal categories of counterfeit goods:

• Toys, including bicycles, scooters, balloons and party supplies - 46%

• Clothing, including fancy-dress costumes and various types of bags - 29%

• Textiles, including bedding, towels and other products - 12%

• Printed products, including notebooks, colouring books, themed magazines and books -

• 10%

Confectionery products - 1%


Other products, including children’s furniture, jewellery and decorative items - 2%

Toys accounted for the largest proportion of all counterfeit products identified, at 46%.

Approximately 40% of counterfeit toys can be recognised visually without difficulty. However,

high-quality counterfeits are also common and account for around 60%. Such products are

intended to mislead buyers seeking licensed goods, including products associated with well-

known animated brands.

Children’s clothing was the second-largest category, accounting for 29% of the counterfeit

market.

Counterfeit children’s clothing is manufactured in numerous countries, including Vietnam,

Thailand and China. Notably, counterfeit clothing featuring Russian animated brands is produced

primarily in countries such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and

Armenia.

The mechanism through which such goods appear on Russian online stores, marketplaces, social

media and other resources is generally similar.

Products are imported through sole traders established in accordance with Russian law. The sole

trader then enters into agreements with well-known online platforms, either presenting itself as a

distributor of licensed products or without making any such representation.

Because products listed on online resources are subject to limited moderation, or sometimes no

moderation at all, counterfeit goods can easily enter the open market.

16 August 2021