“Fake it to make it”: exploring product counterfeiting in Türkiye

Purpose This paper aims to explore the issue of product counterfeiting in Türkiye and assess Türkiye’s role in the global supply chain of counterfeit goods. It sheds light on the supply-side dynamics of counterfeiting in the Turkish context. Design/methodology/approach Interviews were conducted with 46 key experts, including police officers, customs officers and trademark attorneys. The study also incorporated data from a documentary analysis of counterfeit products seized by the Bulgarian Customs. Findings The findings of this study highlight the significant role of Türkiye in international supply chains, serving as both a manufacturing hub for a wide array of counterfeit products and a crucial transit point for goods bound for European markets. This study suggests that counterfeiting serves as a source of livelihood for many individuals in Türkiye, with counterfeiters often justifying their activities by claiming they contribute to the country’s economy through job creation and the influx of foreign currency. Research limitations/implications While qualitative research is essential for exploring nuanced aspects and gaining in-depth insights, it may not provide the statistical robustness and generalizability associated with larger quantitative studies. Originality/value This paper is an original contribution to the understanding of product counterfeiting in Türkiye, a major counterfeit-producing country, with potential implications for the future of consumer protection and market integrity.