# Counterfeit Goods Suspension: Google Ads & Merchant Center > Suspended for counterfeit goods on Google Ads or Merchant Center? What counts as counterfeit, why genuine shops get flagged, and how to appeal with evidence. Web page: https://www.certanza.app/guides/counterfeit-goods-suspension # Suspended for counterfeit goods Counterfeit goods is one of the policies Google enforces most harshly: it suspends without warning and only reinstates in what it calls compelling circumstances. Genuine shops do get caught, usually by wording, photos or pricing that look like a fake. Here's what Google looks for, what to change and how to appeal. Suspension guide · updated 30 October 2026 · 7 minute read ## The short version - Google treats counterfeit goods as an egregious violation: suspension on detection, with no warning. - Google says accounts are only reinstated in compelling circumstances, so your appeal needs evidence, not just a denial. - Words like 'replica', 'fake' or 'knock off' next to a brand name are enough to trigger it, even on genuine stock. - Never open a new account to get round it: that's circumventing systems, which makes things far worse. ## Key numbers - **0 days**: warning before a counterfeit suspension, Google says - **7**: words Google names, such as 'replica' and 'knock off', when used with a brand - **Both**: Google Ads and Merchant Center apply the same definition - **1**: appeal that has to make your case: prepare it well ## What Google counts as counterfeit Google's [Google Ads counterfeit goods policy](https://support.google.com/adspolicy/answer/176017) and its [Merchant Center counterfeit products policy](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6149993) use the same definition: products with a trademark or logo that is identical to or substantially indistinguishable from another company's. The policy covers your ads and listings, and your website. - Describing products as 'knock off', 'replica', 'imitation', 'clone', 'faux', 'fake' or 'mirror image' when referring to a brand name. - Products that copy a brand's features to pass as the real thing, such as non-authentic items with brand labels or logos. - Merchant Center adds: don't use another brand's name, logo, images or colours in a way that could mislead, and don't misspell brand names. > **No warning, and a high bar to come back.** Google says counterfeit suspensions happen on detection and without prior warning, and that accounts are only reinstated in compelling circumstances. Treat your appeal as the one chance to make your case. ## Why genuine shops get flagged These are the common reasons shops selling genuine goods are caught. They come from Google's policy wording and from what Certanza's scanner looks for; Google doesn't publish exactly what triggered your suspension. ### Imitation words next to a brand 'Replica', 'inspired by', 'dupe of' or 'look-alike' near a brand name reads as a fake, whatever you meant. - What can raise concerns: "Chanel-inspired replica handbag" - What works: "Quilted leather handbag" with no other brand named ### Big brands at heavy discounts Well-known brands at a fraction of their normal price is one of the clearest signals of counterfeit stock. - What can raise concerns: Designer trainers at 70% off with no explanation - What works: A clear reason, such as end-of-line, ex-display or second-hand, stated on the page ### Brand logos on your own products Supplier photos or designs showing another company's logo make your product look like it's passing as theirs. - What can raise concerns: A phone case photo with a famous logo - What works: Your own photos, showing your own branding ### Unclear reseller status Selling a brand without saying how you get it leaves Google guessing. - What can raise concerns: A shop full of one luxury brand and no explanation - What works: "We're an authorised stockist of…" or a clear note that items are pre-owned ### Brand names in your domain or titles Using another company's brand in your web address or shop name suggests you're them, or selling copies. - What can raise concerns: bestbrandname-outlet.co.uk - What works: Your own name, with the brand mentioned only to describe a genuine product ### 'Compatible with' products Accessories for a brand are fine, but the wording has to make clear they're not made by that brand. - What can raise concerns: "Apple charger" for a third-party charger - What works: "Charger compatible with iPhone (not made by Apple)" ## How to appeal if your products are genuine 1. **Gather your evidence first.** Invoices from authorised distributors or the brand, authorisation or reseller letters, and anything showing where your stock comes from. For pre-owned goods, how you source and check them. 2. **Fix your site and listings.** Remove imitation words, misleading brand logos and brand names you don't need. State your reseller status or that items are pre-owned. Google's best practice is to make an official relationship with a brand clear, and to add a disclaimer when you mention a brand you're not partnered with. 3. **Check every page, not just products.** Titles, descriptions, images, your domain, your About page and your ads. A free scan flags replica and counterfeit wording, 'dupes' of named brands, big brands at heavy discounts and brand names in your domain. 4. **Appeal with the evidence.** Explain clearly that your products are genuine and how you can show it. Keep it factual: Google reviews it against your live site, so the site has to agree with what you say. See [appeal letter examples](https://www.certanza.app/guides/appeal-letter-examples). > **Don't start again with a new account.** Opening a new Merchant Center or Google Ads account while suspended is circumventing systems, another egregious policy. See [circumventing systems](https://www.certanza.app/guides/circumventing-systems). ## Your counterfeit checklist - [ ] No 'replica', 'fake', 'knock off', 'inspired by' or 'dupe' wording near any brand name - [ ] No other company's logo on your products, photos or packaging images - [ ] Brand names used only to describe genuine products you can prove - [ ] Reseller status or pre-owned condition stated clearly on the product and About pages - [ ] Prices of big-brand items explained when they're far below normal - [ ] No other brand in your domain or shop name - [ ] Invoices or authorisation ready to send if Google asks ## Common questions ### Can I get my account back after a counterfeit suspension? Sometimes, but Google says accounts are only reinstated in compelling circumstances. If your products are genuine, fix anything that looks like a fake and appeal with evidence such as invoices or reseller authorisation. ### I sell genuine products. Why was I suspended? Usually because something on the site looks like a fake: imitation words near a brand, other brands' logos, big discounts on luxury brands, or an unclear source. Google doesn't say exactly what triggered it, so check all of these. ### Can I sell 'inspired by' or 'dupe' products? Products of your own design are fine. Describing them in relation to another brand, such as 'inspired by' or 'dupe of' a named brand, is risky and can read as counterfeit. Describe what the product is, without the other brand's name. ### Can I sell second-hand branded goods? Genuine pre-owned items aren't counterfeit, but make the condition and how you check authenticity clear on every listing, so nobody mistakes them for discounted new stock. ## Sources - [Google Ads: Counterfeit goods](https://support.google.com/adspolicy/answer/176017) - [Google Merchant Center: Counterfeit products](https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6149993) - [Google Ads: Circumventing systems policy](https://support.google.com/adspolicy/answer/2375414) Check your own website for these problems with a free scan: https://www.certanza.app/ --- Certanza is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Google. Reports are not legal advice and can't guarantee approval. Site guide for AI assistants: https://www.certanza.app/llms.txt