(ECNS) - A new survey has found that the vast majority of respondents admitted to buying counterfeit goods, with 86 percent saying that fake goods "have gone mainstream," the China Youth News reported on Tuesday.
The Social Survey Center of China Youth Daily surveyed 1,785 people through minyi.net.cn and 3g.qq.com, finding that more than 80 percent admitted to buying counterfeit products. Of these, 52.9 percent blamed it on not being able to afford the real thing, and 44.4 percent had no complaints about the quality of counterfeit products.
Counterfeit buyers expressed various reasons for their choices, including vanity, lack of brand awareness and a robust desire for luxury goods, according to the report.
Wang Yu, a university student whose wardrobe is full of luxury designer brands including Chanel, LV and Adidas, said she bought counterfeit goods because she can't afford the real products.
Liu Junhai, vice president of the China Consumers Association, said counterfeit products have infringed on consumer information rights and manufacturers' intellectual property and trademark rights.
Government should combat the phenomenon and curb demand for counterfeit brands through specific marketing and develop a fair and trustworthy business environment, Liu added.
Some respondents also expressed hope that authorities should strengthen oversight and punishment for those involved in the counterfeit game, while consumers should become more aware of counterfeit goods and control their desire to buy them.
