Is selling goods, some of which are counterfeit and some of which are suspected of being counterfeit, considered ill-gotten gain (haram)? And what must be done after two years of this sale?
It is forbidden to infringe upon the trademarks and trade names of companies by counterfeiting them, because it is forgery and an infringement on the financial rights of companies, which are considered legitimate in Islamic law. If counterfeit goods are sold, even if the buyer is informed that they are counterfeit, the price is permissible for the seller. However, the seller must pay a right to the infringed-upon company or seek its absolution. If it is impossible to deliver the right, it should be spent on general Muslim welfare or given to the poor and needy. As for selling goods that are suspected of being counterfeit, there is no harm in it as long as it is not highly probable that they are counterfeit. Ignorance of the impermissibility of the sale removes the sin of deliberate infringement, but it does not waive the guarantee of the right. However, selling counterfeit goods as original is deception of the buyer and an infringement on the company's right.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/171724