Experienced Counterfeiting Defense Attorneys Serving Queens, NY

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Counterfeit goods charges carry serious consequences and they move fast. If you or your business is under investigation or already facing charges related to the sale, distribution, or importation of counterfeit goods, you need a strong legal defense from day one. Addabbo & Greenberg Law has a long track record of defending individuals and businesses against counterfeiting charges at both the state and federal level. These cases are complex, the stakes are high, and the outcome depends heavily on the quality of your legal representation.

Whether your case involves counterfeit designer goods, trademark violations, or related civil litigation, having a skilled Counterfeiting Defense Attorney in Queens, NY in your corner can make all the difference.

What Counterfeiting Charges Really Mean

Trademark holders invest significant money and resources to protect their brands. When counterfeit goods enter the market — sold at prices far below retail — the value of those trademarks and copyrighted products takes a direct hit. That's why law enforcement, both at the state and federal level, pursues counterfeiting cases aggressively.

Counterfeiting charges can stem from a wide range of activities, including:

• Selling counterfeit goods — whether online, at a physical location, or through a third party
• Importing or distributing goods that bear unauthorized trademarks
• Trafficking in counterfeit products — which carries escalating penalties depending on the estimated value of the genuine goods
• Possession with intent to sell counterfeit merchandise

What makes these cases particularly serious is the dual exposure they carry. You could face both criminal prosecution and civil litigation — simultaneously. Criminal penalties can include substantial fines and prison sentences, while civil actions brought by trademark holders can result in devastating financial judgments.

Understanding the Penalties

The penalties tied to counterfeiting convictions are not minor. Under federal law, first-time offenders convicted of trafficking counterfeit goods can face up to 10 years in prison. Repeat offenders or those whose actions resulted in serious harm can face up to 20 years. Civil penalties and asset forfeitures further compound the consequences.

At the state level, New York law also treats counterfeit goods offenses seriously, with penalties that scale based on the volume and value of the goods involved. A conviction — or even a guilty plea — can follow individuals and businesses for years, affecting professional licenses, business operations, and immigration status.

This is not the kind of charge to approach without qualified legal counsel. A dedicated Counterfeiting Defense Attorney in Queens, NY understands how prosecutors build these cases and where the defense opportunities lie.

How Counterfeiting Cases Are Defended

No two counterfeiting cases are identical, and a thorough defense requires a close look at every detail. Attorney Todd Greenberg and the team at Addabbo & Greenberg Law have successfully defended clients in federal and state courts throughout the United States, including obtaining outright dismissals and suppression of evidence in high-profile cases.

Some of the key defense strategies used in counterfeiting cases include:

• Challenging the evidence — Was the search and seizure lawful? Evidence obtained through illegal searches can be suppressed, which has led to case dismissals in the past.
• Disputing intent — Counterfeiting charges often require proof that a defendant knowingly sold or distributed counterfeit goods. When that intent cannot be established, the charges may not hold up.
• Questioning trademark validity — Not every trademark infringement claim is airtight. Defenses can include challenging the validity or scope of the trademark itself.
• Negotiating reduced charges — Where full dismissal isn't possible, reducing the severity of charges through negotiation can meaningfully change the outcome for clients.
• Civil litigation defense — In cases involving civil actions by trademark holders, defending against inflated damages claims and working toward settlement can protect clients from devastating financial exposure.

A notable past result includes the dismissal of a "Counterfeit Goods" indictment in Miami Federal Court, where Todd Greenberg successfully argued that his clients were not among those who sold the counterfeit goods at issue a finding that significantly reduced potential prison exposure. Additionally, a Trademark Counterfeiting Charge dismissal was cited on the front page of the New York Law Journal, and evidence was suppressed in a counterfeit sneaker case in Buffalo Federal Court based on an illegal search. These outcomes reflect the kind of detailed, case-specific work that meaningful defense requires.

Who We Defend

Addabbo & Greenberg Law represents a broad range of clients facing counterfeiting-related charges and civil claims, including:

• Individuals accused of selling or distributing counterfeit goods
• Business owners whose operations have been targeted in government raids or civil enforcement actions
• Corporations and organizations facing federal trademark counterfeiting indictments
• Importers and distributors caught in the supply chain of counterfeit merchandise

Both Spanish and Chinese interpreters are available to ensure clear communication throughout your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a civil and criminal counterfeiting case?
A: A criminal counterfeiting case is brought by the government — either state or federal — and can result in fines, probation, or imprisonment. A civil case is typically filed by the trademark holder seeking financial compensation for the harm caused to their brand. It's possible to face both at the same time, which is why having legal representation that handles both areas is important.

Q: Can counterfeiting charges be dismissed?
A: Yes, in certain circumstances. Charges have been dismissed when evidence was obtained through illegal searches, when the prosecution could not prove the defendant's knowing participation in the sale of counterfeit goods, or when procedural errors affected the case. Each situation is different, and the strength of a dismissal argument depends on the specific facts.

Q: How serious are federal counterfeiting charges compared to state charges?
A: Federal charges generally carry steeper penalties and involve more resources on the prosecution side. However, both federal and state counterfeiting charges are serious and warrant immediate legal attention. Federal cases often involve larger quantities of goods, interstate commerce, or cross-border importation.

Q: What should I do if law enforcement has seized my goods or raided my business?
A: Do not make any statements to law enforcement without first consulting an attorney. The circumstances of the seizure — including how the search was conducted — may be legally challengeable. Contacting a Counterfeiting Defense Attorney in Queens, NY as soon as possible gives you the best opportunity to protect your rights.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Counterfeiting charges demand immediate, focused attention. The sooner you have qualified legal representation, the more options you may have available to you. Addabbo & Greenberg Law has defended clients in federal and state courts across the country, achieving results that have been covered by major legal and news publications.

If you or your business is facing counterfeiting-related charges or a civil enforcement action, don't wait to get counsel involved. Contact us today to schedule a free phone consultation and speak directly with an attorney about your case.