Q: In Michigan, is it illegal to knowingly purchase a counterfeit good (Ex. Shoes, Clothing, etc.) for personal use only?
Personal use only. No selling.
A:
In Michigan, knowingly purchasing counterfeit goods, even for personal use, is illegal under state law. Michigan has specific laws addressing counterfeit trademarks and theft of service.
According to Michigan Compiled Laws section 750.263, a person shall not knowingly purchase or acquire any counterfeit item bearing a counterfeit mark. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than 3 times the retail value of the item bearing the counterfeit mark, or both.
The law does not differentiate between purchasing counterfeit goods for personal use or with the intent to sell. The act of knowingly purchasing or acquiring the counterfeit item is illegal.
It's important to note that federal law also prohibits the purchase and possession of counterfeit goods, regardless of the intended use. The U.S. Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984 makes it a federal crime to intentionally traffic in goods or services knowing that a counterfeit trademark is used.
In summary, knowingly purchasing counterfeit goods in Michigan, even for personal use, is illegal under both state and federal law.
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