Anti-Counterfeit Policy

1. Our Commitment

MerchNique Technologies Private Limited is committed to ensuring that every product sold on our marketplace is authentic, original, and of verified quality. We have zero tolerance for counterfeit goods, knock-offs, or unauthorized reproductions of third-party designs, trademarks, or brand assets.

2. What Constitutes Counterfeit

On MerchNique, the following are considered counterfeit or infringing:

• • Products bearing logos, trademarks, or brand names of other companies (Nike, Adidas, Supreme, etc.) without authorisation
• • Designs that closely imitate or are confusingly similar to existing brand identities
• • Products marketed as "inspired by" or "replica of" branded goods
• • Use of celebrity names, likenesses, or character images without proper licence
• • Direct copies or derivatives of other creators' original designs without permission

3. Prevention Measures

MerchNique employs multiple layers of protection:

• • Creator Verification: All creators undergo KYC verification (Aadhaar/PAN for India, SSN/EIN for USA) before designs go live
• • Design Review: Uploaded designs are reviewed for potential IP violations before publication
• • AI Screening: Automated image similarity checks flag potentially infringing content
• • Print Partner QC: Verified print partners conduct quality checks during production
• • Community Reporting: Users can report suspected counterfeit products directly from any product page

4. Reporting Counterfeit Products

If you believe a product on MerchNique is counterfeit or infringes on your intellectual property, please contact us immediately:

Please include:

• • URL of the suspected counterfeit product on MerchNique
• • Description of the original IP or trademark being infringed
• • Evidence of your ownership (registration certificates, original design files, etc.)
• • Your full name, contact details, and relationship to the IP

5. Enforcement Actions

When counterfeit products are confirmed, MerchNique will:

• • Immediate Removal: Product delisted within 24 hours of confirmation
• • Order Cancellation: Pending orders for the product cancelled and refunded
• • Creator Penalty: Warning issued; repeat offenders face permanent account ban
• • Revenue Forfeiture: Earnings from counterfeit sales withheld and refunded to buyers
• • Legal Action: MerchNique reserves the right to pursue legal action against creators who knowingly sell counterfeit goods

6. Buyer Protection

If you receive a product that you believe is counterfeit:

• • Contact support@merchnique.com with your order ID and photos
• • Full refund will be issued within 5–7 business days
• • No return shipping required for confirmed counterfeit products

7. Legal Framework

This policy operates in compliance with: the Indian Trademarks Act (1999), the Indian Copyright Act (1957), the Consumer Protection Act (2019), the US Lanham Act, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), and the FTC Act. MerchNique cooperates with law enforcement agencies in both India and the United States to combat counterfeiting on our platform.