Understanding the Counterfeit Policy

Google Shopping enforces a strict policy against counterfeit products. If Google suspects your products are imitations of genuine branded goods, your Merchant Center account could be suspended immediately, often without prior warning. This policy aims to protect consumers from fraudulent items and maintain the integrity of Google’s shopping platform.

What Is Considered a Counterfeit Product?

A product is considered counterfeit if it mimics the brand name, logo, or features of a legitimate brand, intending to mislead consumers. This includes items that are not authorized by the original manufacturer, even if they look nearly identical. It's not enough to simply avoid using brand logos—similar names, product titles, or imagery can still lead to a violation.

How Does Google Detect Counterfeits?

Google uses both automated systems and manual reviews to detect counterfeits. They monitor product titles, descriptions, images, pricing inconsistencies, and domain reputation. Suspensions can be triggered by a small oversight, such as referencing a well-known brand in a misleading way or using unauthorized product images.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Suspension

• Listing replicas of branded products without explicitly stating they are replicas
• Using product images pulled from official brand websites
• Mentioning brand names in product titles or descriptions without selling authentic items
• Selling goods from suppliers that are flagged for counterfeit distribution

Consequences of a Counterfeit Suspension

Once suspended, regaining access to your Google Merchant Center account is difficult and time-consuming. You’ll lose all ad visibility, your performance history resets, and your business may be flagged as high risk. If your brand depends on Google Shopping traffic, this could mean a sharp drop in revenue.

Avoiding the Suspension

• Work only with verified suppliers
• Use original product photos and descriptions
• Never suggest or imply that a product is an original brand if it’s not
• Remove any questionable listings before uploading your feed

Need Help Fixing or Avoiding Counterfeit Suspensions?

If your Google Merchant Center was suspended due to counterfeit policy violations, or you want to protect your store from future risk, our service Atlas can assist. We specialize in analyzing, cleaning, and restoring suspended GMC accounts. Let us help you rebuild trust with Google and get your products visible again.