Manchester United has intensified its legal efforts in the United States to combat the sale of counterfeit merchandise, filing at least 11 lawsuits this year against websites allegedly distributing fake club shirts and related products. The club’s most recent filings occurred in Chicago on August 26, 28, and 31, targeting unidentified businesses and traders for trademark infringement.
Earlier this year, the Premier League club initiated legal action against 24 suspected counterfeit sellers in February and 57 more in June. These measures come amid ongoing concerns about the proliferation of fake football merchandise, with Manchester United reportedly leading the Premier League in counterfeit shirt sales.
The club has emphasized that counterfeit products do not undergo the same quality assurance processes as official merchandise, raising issues not only about consumer deception but also about safety. Industry experts have highlighted potential risks associated with the use of unsafe dyes in counterfeit apparel.
Law enforcement agencies have also reported significant seizures in the fight against counterfeit sportswear. In July, authorities stated that over 220,000 fake football shirts representing various clubs, with an estimated market value of approximately £18.5 million, had been removed from circulation since the beginning of the year.
Manchester United’s actions underscore the broader challenge facing football clubs and brands in protecting their intellectual property rights and ensuring the authenticity and quality of official merchandise available to fans.