How to Recover from Google Ads Counterfeit Goods Suspension
Counterfeit goods suspensions can be recovered if your products are actually authentic by providing supplier documentation, invoices, and certificates of authenticity. Professional recovery averages 6-8 days with a 95% success rate for legitimate sellers.
Your account was suspended for counterfeit goods. You're frustrated because you know your products are authentic.
What Google Considers "Counterfeit"
Google defines "counterfeit" as products deliberately made to fraudulently imitate branded goods OR unauthorized reproductions of copyrighted designs.
Google's counterfeit categories:
- True Counterfeits—Fake products claiming to be genuine brands (cannot be recovered)
- Gray Market Goods—Authentic products bought outside official channels and resold (recoverable if disclosed)
- Unauthorized Reproductions—Products copying the design/IP of brands without permission (cannot be recovered)
- Replicas—products designed to look like branded items but sold under different names (cannot be recovered)
Why Legitimate Sellers Get Flagged
Legitimate sellers get flagged most commonly by selling gray market goods without disclosure or using ambiguous product descriptions that could suggest counterfeit.
Common legitimate-seller flags:
Scenario 1: Gray Market Goods Without Disclosure
- You buy genuine branded shoes from a liquidation sale
- You resell them at a profit.
- You don't disclose they're from a non-authorized channel
- The brand owner reports to you
- Account suspended for counterfeit
Scenario 2: Ambiguous Product Descriptions
- Your product description could be interpreted as an authentic branded item
- Design too closely mimics branded product
- Google's systems flag ambiguous descriptions.
- Account suspended
Scenario 3: Misleading Keywords
- You bid on "brand name shoes" keyword
- You sell generic athletic shoes, not Nike
- Your ad headline says "Official Brand Name."
- You're not an authorized retailer
- Account suspended for trademark misuse
Scenario 4: Unknown Counterfeits
- Your supplier sold you counterfeit goods
- You didn't know they were counterfeit
- Customers report them as fake
- Account suspended
How to Assess If Your Products Are Actually Authentic
You're authentic if you can provide supplier documentation proving you purchased from authorized distributors. The gray market requires documentation plus proper disclosure.
Ask yourself:
- Can I provide invoices showing purchases from an authorized distributor?
- Do I have supplier agreements?
- Are there certificates of authenticity?
- Do I own trademark registration (for my own brand)?
- Can I explain my sourcing clearly?
If you can check all boxes: Very likely recoverable
If you can only check some: Assessment needed to determine recovery probability
If you can't check any: Recovery probably not possible; products likely from the gray market or counterfeit
How to Gather Documentation for an Appeal
Collect invoices, supplier agreements, certificates of authenticity, and business registration. This documentation is what Google needs to reinstate your account.
Documentation checklist:
For Authentic Branded Products:
- Invoice from authorized distributor
- Supplier agreement showing authorization
- Certificate of authenticity (if applicable)
- Business registration
- Tax documentation
- No history of counterfeit complaints
For Gray Market Goods:
- All above items PLUS
- Clear disclosure "Gray market goods" in product description
- Explanation of what "gray market" means
- Updated product terms showing transparency
For Your Own Brand:
- Trademark registration
- Business registration
- Manufacturing documentation
- Design copyright registration
- No trademark violations in your branding
Timeline for gathering: Usually 3-5 days if you contact suppliers promptly
How to Write Your Appeal
Appeal structure: acknowledge suspension, provide documentation of authenticity, explain your sourcing clearly, and request reinstatement.
Effective appeal template:
"I received a suspension notice for counterfeit goods. I want to clearly establish that my products are authentic.
My products are sourced from [describe sourcing: official distributors, authorized wholesale channels, etc.].
Attached documentation proves authenticity:
- Invoices from [supplier name]
- Supplier agreement
- Certificates of authenticity
- Business registration
[If gray market:] I sell these products from the gray market—they are authentic but purchased outside official distribution channels. I have updated product descriptions to clearly disclose this. All products are legitimate, and I request reinstatement."
Timeline for Recovery
| Stage | Days | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | 1 | Determine if products authentic |
| Documentation Gathering | 3-5 | Contact suppliers, collect docs |
| Appeal Preparation | 1-2 | Organize evidence, write appeal |
| Submission | 1 | Submit to Google |
| Review | 2-4 | Google reviews documentation |
| Reinstatement | 1 | Account reactivated |
| Total | 8-14 | Account back online |
Professional recovery: 7-14 days (we expedite documentation collection)
Products That CANNOT Be Recovered
If selling actual counterfeits, replicas, or unauthorized reproductions, recovery is impossible. These must be stopped immediately.
Permanently blocked products:
- True counterfeit goods (fake products claiming to be genuine brands)
- Replicas (products designed to look like branded items)
- Unauthorized reproductions (copying design/IP without permission)
- Knockoffs or imitations
If you're selling these, recovery requires:
- Stopping sales immediately
- Removing all such products
- Updating account to comply
- Then appealing with proof of compliance
DIY vs Professional Recovery
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 3-6 weeks | 6-8 days |
| Success Rate | 50-60% | 95% (for authentic products) |
| Cost | Your time + loss in sales | $350-$950 |
| Documentation Gathering | You handle | We help expedite |
| Appeal Quality | Variable | Professional presentation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What counts as legitimate proof of authenticity?
A: Invoices from authorized distributors, supplier agreements, certificates of authenticity, and trademark registration (if your brand). We tell you exactly what's needed during assessment.
Q: Can I recover if selling gray market goods?
A: Possibly, but only with proper disclosure. We assess whether your situation is recoverable. Full transparency is required.
Q: What if I don't know my products might be counterfeit?
A: If your supplier sold you counterfeit goods without your knowledge, recovery becomes more complex. We investigate your supplier relationship and determine if this can be proven to Google.
Q: How long does it take to gather the documentation you'll need?
A: Usually 3-5 days. You'll need to contact your suppliers, pull invoices, and organize documentation. We'll provide a checklist during assessment.
Q: What if my supplier won't provide documentation?
A: This is a red flag that your products might be gray market or counterfeit. We assess this situation during consultation. Some suppliers will provide documentation; others won't. This affects recovery strategy.
Q: Can I appeal on my own first and then hire you if it fails?
A: You can, but failed appeals make recovery slightly harder. Each unsuccessful appeal is visible to Google's review teams. If you're confident your documentation is solid, DIY is an option. Otherwise, professional handling on the first attempt has higher success rates.
Q: What if I'm selling products I designed myself?
A: If you own the design and brand, this is a different category. We'll help you demonstrate ownership through trademark registration and design documentation.
Q: How do I prevent this from happening again?
A: Maintain clear supplier documentation. Keep invoices and agreements on file. If selling gray market goods, clearly disclose this in product descriptions. Ensure your products don't violate any trademark or IP rights.
Q: What's your success rate specifically for counterfeit goods suspensions?
A: For legitimate sellers with proper documentation, our success rate is 95%. For sellers of gray market goods who commit to proper disclosure, success rate is 85%. For actual counterfeit or replica products, recovery is not possible—these cannot be advertised on Google.
Get Your Account Back Online
We'll tell you honestly:
- Why you were flagged
- Whether recovery is possible for your situation
- What documentation you'll need
No obligation. It takes just 30 minutes for a free audit to fix your Google Merchant Center suspension fast.
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