The Amazon Counterfeit Crimes Unit and Therabody have filed a joint lawsuit against a crime ring that attempted to sell counterfeit massage devices on the retailer’s website through six selling accounts.
Therabody offers its unique message device the Theragun in more than 40 countries worldwide, Amazon noted. Therabody research and development resulted in the acquisition of over 500 patents as it developed the product line. Amazon pointed out that attempted counterfeiting of the Theragun is not only deceptive to Amazon customers who are paying for the real thing but that it also poses risks to customers as counterfeits will not have the Theragun patented engineering, quality and durability.
In working with Therabody, Amazon verified that the products subject to the suit were inauthentic and swiftly removed relevant selling accounts from the Amazon store, proactively providing refunds to affected customers, the retailer maintained.
As part of their response to the threat, Amazon and Therabody filed a joint lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington.
“We produce products that are changing the way people approach health and wellness,” said Monty Sharma, CEO of Therabody, in an announcement on the suit. “These proprietary products are developed through extensive research and medical input, and are backed by science and FDA registered. When counterfeit products intentionally trade on Therabody’s name and reputation, they hurt our brand as well as consumers who think they are getting the benefits of a Theragun, but end up with inferior products with very poor standards and efficacy. We are proud to partner with Amazon to stop the sale of any of these fake goods, which rely on both of our brand names to deceive shoppers.”
Kebharu Smith, director of Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit, added, “The CCU continues to build on its strong relationships with brands, both big and small, that are united in our effort to address the industry-wide issue of counterfeiting. Thank you to Therabody for their collaboration as we take the next step toward holding these fraudsters accountable for their actions.”
Amazon added that the CCU has worked with brands such as Brother, Canon and Yeti, as well as small businesses such as Felco and the manufacturer behind the popular card game Dutch Blitz, to sue counterfeiters, as it has other fraudsters. In addition, the CCU actively works with law enforcement to refer criminals for investigation or assist in seizure of counterfeit products at the source.
