Counterfeit perfumes – available online, from street vendors, and at discount retailers – may come with a hidden cost. Doctors are concerned about toxic chemicals that are sometimes included in these fake perfumes and colognes. The toxic chemicals include anything from antifreeze to urine to the probable carcinogen DEHP. The chemicals could cause a variety of health-related issues, including rashes, asthma, and sinus problems. The FBI has advised that, before purchasing, consumers look for signs that may indicate that the fragrance is counterfeit. These signs include:

• Packaging that looks slightly different than the authentic brand;

• Products advertised as “limited edition” and sold at substantially lower prices than the original; and

• The color of the perfume – too pale could indicate a high concentration of alcohol; too dark could mean fake chemicals.

To avoid counterfeit fragrances, experts advise consumers to buy from reputable stores or directly from the manufacturer.

Sources: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/02/06/counterfeit-fragrances-on-rise-could-be-hazardous-to-health/?intcmp=features http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2014/january/counterfeit-cosmetics-fragrances-hazardous-to-your-health

For more information on this topic, please visit our anti-counterfeiting service page.

Klemchuk LLP is an Intellectual Property (IP), Technology, Internet, and Business law firm located in Dallas, TX.  The firm offers comprehensive legal services including litigation and enforcement of all forms of IP as well as registration and licensing of patents, trademarks, trade dress, and copyrights.  The firm also provides a wide range of technology, Internet, e-commerce, and business services including business planning, formation, and financing, mergers and acquisitions, business litigation, data privacy, and domain name dispute resolution.  Additional information about the IP law firm and its IP law attorneys may be found at www.klemchuk.com.

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