Bengaluru's Sadar Patrappa Road market has found a place in the US Notorious Markets List featuring markets involved in the sale of counterfeit and pirated goods, along with copyright or trademark violations. The other two markets from India mentioned in the list are the Heera Panna market in Mumbai and Tank Road market in Karol Bagh in New Delhi. Three online markets based in India, namely IndiaMart, Vegamovies, and WHMCS Smarters, have also been named in the annual report released on January 30 by the US Trade Representatives.
The 2023 Notorious Markets List features a total of 39 online markets and 33 physical markets. Bengaluru's Sadar Patrappa Road market, situated in the heart of the city, is known for businesses specialising in electronic spare parts, digital gadget sales, and subsidised repair services. While the market attracts customers seeking budget-friendly options, caution is advised due to the presence of scammers.
The report said that with the ease of COVID-19 restrictions, physical markets experienced an uptick in foot traffic, leading to a resurgence in counterfeit sales. Sellers of counterfeit goods rely on physical storefronts for customer interactions, "sample/product testing," and fulfilling online sales.
The report also speaks about the need for China to enhance enforcement actions against counterfeit sales at physical markets, adapting to the evolving nature of the problem. "USTR encourages China to modify and expand the scope of robust enforcement actions to respond to the changing nature of counterfeit sales at physical markets, with a special focus on the following key markets," said the report.