Laws in Mississippi Regarding the Sale of Knock-Off Designer Purses

In virtually every large city in the United States, a bargain shopper can find a counterfeit purse or handbag. The production and sale of these counterfeit products violates federal and state laws, including the laws of the State of Mississippi.

Mississippi Code

• The Mississippi Code has specific provisions which prohibit the manufacture and sale of counterfeit products, also known as trademark piracy. The provisions are found at Mississippi Code, Title 97, Chapter 21, Sections 53, 55 and 57. Whether producing or selling or both, the crime is a misdemeanor.

Federal Law

• Trademark piracy is not just a state crime. It is also a federal crime. The law can be found at Title 18 of the United States Code, Sections 2318 and 2320.

Cooperation

• Because federal and Mississippi law preclude creation and distribution of misappropriated trademarks, a counterfeiter can be prosecuted in either federal or state court or both. There may also be a civil cause of action in which the trademark holder sues the counterfeiter.