Reprints vs. Counterfeits - Is there a difference?

[Peter_Spaeth]

In theory a clear difference, as one is intended to deceive and one is not.

[GasHouseGang]

Is there a difference between a reprint and a counterfeit?

Clearly. Because ebay doesn't allow the sale of counterfeits. Or do they?

[clydepepper]

I recently picked up a few reprints that turned out to be so good...when comparing them to the original card that I also had, I decided to write 'RP' on each card back...just in case I forget when I get even older.

Of course the question is, why, if you already have the original cards, would you purchase reprints?


Because I'm addicted...what? You didn't really think I had a good reason, did you?

[Jenx34]

IMO your assessment is dead on. It gets confused because people seem to use the terms interchangeably. But if it is not obviously marked a reprint, then it is simply that, a counterfeit.

I'm not sure that will help you with Ebay however, but if need be, that is the argument I would make.

[Jewish-collector]

I actually collect legit, authorized reprints, because I can't afford the authentic cards. Sometimes you just gotta say WTF

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

I actually collect legit, authorized reprints, because I can't afford the authentic cards. Sometimes you just gotta say WTF

+1 I have several complete reprint sets.

[tschock]

Originally Posted by bnorth

+1 I have several complete reprint sets.

Same here. This is a happy medium between collecting the 'complete set' as discussed in another thread and collecting specific players/cards. The reprint sets give me a cheap representation of the set, yet I can still enjoy just picking up certain original cards from that issue. Thus avoiding the 'obligation' some of us crazy complete set obsessives feel towards actually completing the set.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by clydepepper

I recently picked up a few reprints that turned out to be so good...when comparing them to the original card that I also had, I decided to write 'RP' on each card back...just in case I forget when I get even older.

Of course the question is, why, if you already have the original cards, would you purchase reprints?


Because I'm addicted...what? You didn't really think I had a good reason, did you?

Sounds like you bought counterfeits, not reprints.

[ruth_rookie]

I had no idea there was such demand for reprints. I see them offered all the time on eBay and have always wondered who bought them. Now I know, which seems to me would indicate strength in the overall vintage market in the sense that if originals decline to a certain point, people who have otherwise been buying reprints will step in buy, thus creating a bottom in the market (sorry for the run-on sentence). ��

Thoughts?

[drcy]

Two definitions of reprints/counterfeits. One is if there is deception (counterfeit). The other is is the maker has legal authority/right to reprint the card. Whether or not there is deception at sale, any unauthorized reproductions of Levi's jeans or Coach bags are called counterfeits. The same could be reasonably said about unauthorized reprints of Topps, Fleer, etc cards. If the seller has no right to reprint them, then they have no right to sell them. I think it's fair to call the counterfeits.

100% yes, ethical reprints have to be significantly physically different than the original. And I say merely putting 'reprint' in small print on the card is not enough.

Now, old cards, such as T206 and Old Judges, are well beyond the copyright window. However, there's the catch of the celebrity, team and brand trademark issues.

I've often said that if one wanted to fix the eBay counterfeit issue, one should pursue the trademark/copyright angle. Whether or not the auction description was deceptive or not would be immaterial. Remove all unauthorized reprints would nip it in the bud, just as Coach etc has all unauthorized reproductions of their products removed.

I would say that, even though it says reprint in the description, if you say you deserve your money back because the person is selling unauthorized reprints (which some might label as counterfeits), I would say that's a fair argument.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by drcy

I've often said that if one wanted to fix the eBay counterfeit issue, one should pursue the trademark/copyright angle. Whether or not the auction description was deceptive or not would be immaterial. Remove all unauthorized reprints would nip it in the bud, just as Coach etc has all unauthorized reproductions of their products removed.

I hate to victim blame on this, but much of the counterfeiting falls on the current trademark holders (Topps, Panini, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, etc) for their lack of prosecution or civil damage claims against those doing this. EBay goes after those fakes basically only for those that hold them liable as well as providing those companies with contact info to the sellers for legal and civil consequence.

As long as they continue to ignore this, eBay will as well. There are zero consequences other than "possible" removal of a listing.

[Throttlesteer]

Originally Posted by ruth_rookie

I had no idea there was such demand for reprints. I see them offered all the time on eBay and have always wondered who bought them. Now I know, which seems to me would indicate strength in the overall vintage market in the sense that if originals decline to a certain point, people who have otherwise been buying reprints will step in buy, thus creating a bottom in the market (sorry for the run-on sentence). ��


Thoughts?

That, or the strength in the overall economy increases demand, affording the reprint owners the chance at the real mccoy.

[CobbSpikedMe]

I've purchased cheap fake cards (that I guess would be considered counterfeits) on purpose knowing they were fake so I could educate myself on what they look and feel like. These weren't prewar, but were vintage cards. If I showed a few scans of these fakes with some real cards they would be difficult to tell apart. But when I got them in hand I could tell right away they were fake. And now I know what to look for when looking at cards in person. I consider it an inexpensive education to be honest. I wasn't getting scammed by anyone and now I know what to look for.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

In theory a clear difference, as one is intended to deceive and one is not.

Yes, in theory.