What are “pingti”, the Chinese novelty that worries luxury houses

Buy luxury at a lower cost? Who wouldn’t dream of it? However, this is what worries the luxury industry, faced with a loss of customers in the face of the growing popularity of “Pingti”. These high-quality counterfeit products, identical to their inspirations, with one exception: no logo.

Very fashionable in China, “Pingti” are seen as the height of counterfeiting and have even attracted former luxury consumers. Cheaper than the originals, but more expensive than simple imitations, these bags represent a growing threat in various luxury sectors. Some rumors even suggest that they could be produced in the same workshops. Catherine Heng Yee Huynh, lawyer specializing in the fight against counterfeiting, deciphers with 20 Minutes the legal limits of this phenomenon which redefines prestige and threatens the exclusivity of major luxury brands.

Bags, clothes, perfumes, everything can become “Pingti”

Prada, Hermès, Chanel, Dior… all fear the loss of their customers in the face of the rise of “Pingti”. But what is special about them? These imitations are prized by the Chinese bourgeoisie, who buy them at relatively high prices, while boasting quality comparable to that of the biggest luxury houses.

According to the producer Chicjoc, leader of this movement, the materials used to make these bags come directly from Italy, purchased from suppliers of brands like Prada and Bottega Veneta. Given its success, this method is now spreading on the platforms of the giant Alibaba, seeking to reach an international audience.

The “Pingti” phenomenon is a continuation of the success of the “dupes”. These products have become very popular, especially on TikTok. Generation Z shares and recommends shoes, clothing and beauty products inspired by luxury brand models under the #dupe. This movement now generates hundreds of thousands of publications. But one thing distinguishes them from each other: the law. Unlike counterfeits, “dupes” remain within the limits of legality by drawing inspiration from product design and composition, without reproducing them identically.

The “Pingti” are indeed counterfeits. An illegal practice, reprehensible for both their manufacturers and their large buyers.

Is owning one illegal?

“When we talk about counterfeiting, it means that there is an infringement of an intellectual property right,” explains Catherine Heng Yee Huynh, lawyer. “For example, if a producer uses the model of a Birkin bag, protected by a registered design or model, there is counterfeiting. » Thus, despite their quality and the absence of a logo, the “Pingti” are considered counterfeits because of their resemblance to the models they copy.

Reproducing, imitating or using a model without authorization is punishable by French law. So before letting yourself be seduced by “pingti”, it is important to keep in mind that this trade is illegal. “If someone buys with the intention of reselling and competing with a luxury house, this may amount to unfair competition or parasitism,” warns the lawyer. In this case, criminal prosecution may even apply even to a buyer.

To access luxury at a lower cost, it is better to opt for second hand. It’s legal, good quality and what’s more, ecological!


source site

Related Articles