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Is it illegal for me to buy imitation goods?

The Law in Singapore does not stop you from buying imitation designer goods (clothes, perfumes, bags, pens, watches, shoes) for your personal use only. However, if your reason for buying is to “sell” (even one item) o “expose for sale” or “trade or manufacture” any of those imitation goods, you may likely face a civil suit from the owners of that designer label, and also have criminal charges brought against you. The penalty, if you’re liable, will be a fine of $10,000 per item (not exceeding an aggregate of $100,000) or a prison term of up to five years or both, if you are convicted.

This prohibition is against the selling of imitation goods and not targeted at the “innocent” holiday-goer returning with counterfeit designer goods for his personal use. Nevertheless, there is a presumption in the Copyright Act that any person who has in his possession five or more infringing copies of any goods, shall be presumed as having the intention to sell them unless proven otherwise.

Finally a word of caution: If you intend to flaunt your imitation designer wear at prominent social events, or parade them when you next visit a designer label fashion house or boutique, be prepared to be escorted out “in style” or refused service by the sales personnel.