How to get blatantly counterfeit guitars off eBay - keep being told they're not in violation

[shardspip]

Being a long time owner and fan of Steinberger guitars, it appals me to see so many cheap, Chinese knock-offs on eBay.

I've reported a stack of them, but some remain on the site, as they're seen as "not in violation" - even though I point out the tell-tale signs of a forgery. 

These things are misleading and downright illegal, but there seems to be some - but not total - reticence on the part of eBay to remove them. 

Similarly, I've tried to get counterfeit Klein guitars - a very unusual shape and a very distinctive logo - removed, but eBay keeps telling me they're OK. If I tried to sell a car listed as "A car", but with Rolls Royce emblems all over it, would the same attitude apply?

I think not. 

[tobiasd4]

Ebay never see the item, so won't know if it is genuine or not. 

Buyers are protected by eBay MBG (except for vehicles).

I agree that ebay could do more to prevent fakes.

[john1297576]

I have tried reporting other obvious fakes or fraudulent listings, but get AI responses like yours. Even when reviewed by an agent same thing, they have not got the knowledge to understand, or probably know that buyers are protected, except they do not get the fact that most buyers do not know they are buying fakes, so buyer protection means nothing.

[shardspip]

I've reported them direct to eBay, and while 60% of them get removed, the rest are "not in violation".

[shardspip]

I have had some success, but there seems to be a growing stubbornness to engage with everything. I've reported a couple of listings more than once, basically picking an argument with them, but to no avail.

As far as Steinberger guitar counterfeits go, I now report them back to the guitar's parent company, Gibson. They're VERY keen to know what eBay are allowing on their site.

Similarly, I've been in touch with Steve Klein, to let him know about eBay allowing unauthorised copies with his trademark to be listed.

Hopefully, things might change.

[tobiasd4]

Brand owners can subscribe to to VeRo program, 

This is best option as ebay will react if brand owners report listing.