Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy

By Dumont

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released the findings of its 2021 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy. The Notorious Markets List highlights online and physical markets that reportedly engage in or facilitate substantial trademark counterfeiting or copyright piracy.

“The global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods undermines critical U.S. innovation and creativity and harms American workers,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “This illicit trade also increases the vulnerability of workers involved in the manufacturing of counterfeit goods to exploitative labor practices, and the counterfeit goods can pose significant risks to the health and safety of consumers and workers around the world.”

The 2021 Notorious Markets List identifies 42 online markets and 35 physical markets that are reported to engage in or facilitate substantial trademark counterfeiting or copyright piracy. 

In Mexico three physical markets were identified:

La Pulga Rio, Monterrey

A major market with approximately 300 stalls located in the heart of Monterrey, La Pulga Rio reportedly offers counterfeit apparel and accessories, and pirated video games. This market appears to have a large online presence with its own website and a Facebook page, both of which offer delivery of counterfeit and pirated goods.

Mercado San Juan de Dios, Guadalajara

Mercado San Juan de Dios, also known as Mercado Libertad, is the largest indoor market in Latin America, spanning over 430,000 square feet and hosting over 3,000 shops in Guadalajara. Right holders note that around half of the stalls in this market sell counterfeit apparel or footwear, or pirated video games. Despite these reports, no major IP enforcement raids were conducted in 2021.

Tepito, Mexico City

Tepito, an open-air 80-square-block market in the middle of Mexico City, seemingly remains a major distribution hub for counterfeit and pirated goods in local markets across Mexico and Central America. Right holders reveal that Tepito remains dangerous due to criminal
activity, making it nearly impossible for right holders to enforce their rights. Infringing items sold at Tepito include video games, modified game consoles, devices that enable the circumvention of technological protection measures, and counterfeit apparel.