OtterBox is the #1 seller of cases for smartphones. But, along with success comes imitation and Otterbox is no exception. The Otterbox Defender is a highly counterfeited item available through internet sites.
OtterBox manufactures rugged cases for iPhones and other smartphones to help you protect your phone investment. Cheap counterfeit cases do not provide that protection for your phone.
Never make internet purchases from unverified vendors using stock (manufacturers) catalog photos. If you want to risk an internet purchase, always insist the seller provide pictures of the actual item and packaging. Items labeled as un-packaged "New" items, and claims that items were purchased in bulk without packaging are good indications the item is counterfeit.
OtterBox innovations have been awarded many patents and trademarks by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and other countries. Otterbox has an aggressive brand protection policy but still has a huge problem with counterfeiters.
"It's important that consumers understand the difference between authentic and counterfeit product and unfortunately some do not," said Rachel Lamkin, Assoc. General Gounsel for Otterbox. "Counterfeit OtterBox cases lead some consumers to believe they just made a bargain purchase, but a low price tag means poor quality and a bad reflection of our brand."
When in doubt about any OtterBox product, contact OtterBox or visit the OtterBox website for information on OtterBox products.
Can you tell if this is a real or counterfeit Otterbox Defender box?
When you buy products from unknown internet vendors, you risk getting counterfeit products that are visually very similar to the authentic item.
Counterfeiters are very good at producing nearly identical deceptive products and packaging.
Consumers risk unknown quality materials and have no warranty with counterfeit products.
Could you visually identify the counterfeit Otterbox Defender case shown here?
Counterfeit products are specifically made to deceive you and are often listed on eBay as "Genuine" or "100% Authentic" and sold to unsuspecting buyers.
Hundreds of sellers offer counterfeit Otterbox phone cases on China websites often at a fraction of the cost of the authentic item.
Here, the cases are offered for just $4.30 ea. Look closely at the image which shows Otterbox branded products.
Look closely at the advertised cases shown. The "Otter" trademarked branding is visible.
Counterfeiters will often display authentic items or photos, but deliver a counterfeit product that is resold to unsuspecting buyers on eBay.
On the authentic Otterbox the "Otterbox: branding on the clip should be clear, legible and straight.
On this counterfeit Otterbox Defender clip, the "Otterbox" branding is uneven and almost illegible.
Check the Ootterbox website for authentic colors and styles. Counterfeiters often produce color combinations not in the Otterboxe product line.
These counterfeit Otterbox cases are sold at just $2.30 -- an immediate indication of a counterfeit.
Compare a fake Otterbox and the authentic product. The color is notably different, and this fake has seams, and a felt pad without the "Otterbox" branding.
Authentic new Otterbox products do not come with a plastic protective "film." The Otterbox screen is scratch resistant, while the cheap counterfeit screens may not be.
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