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Fake Brand Name Clothing

Question:

Is it unethical to purchase or wear (such as when given as a gift) fake brand name clothing?

Perhaps the people who made it are considered stealing and whoever buys or wears it is participating?

 

Answer:

Hello,

Purchasing fake brand clothing etc., it problematic, because it essentially encourages the thieves to continue doing their unethical practice, as if people wouldn’t buy it, they would look for a different business. It is true that one who buys from them is in a way participating in their crime. However, if one got the item as a gift, as far as he is concerned, if it would be real or fake, he didn’t buy it, therefore that would seem to be permitted.

Best wishes

Sources:

 ב"ק קי"ח ע"ב, ור"מ הל' גניבה פ"ה, וע חו"מ ס' שנ"ו סע' א'.

 

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