Exposing a Lookalike Brand Network Imitating a Popular Hair Serum

How digital investigation uncovered a sophisticated multi-brand infringement scheme

Case #PA-23

Opened: Jan 15, 2023

Team: CounterReveal

Case Overview

A leading personal care brand recently discovered a product in the market that closely resembled their flagship hair serum. While the name on the label was different, the trade dress — including the bottle shape, color palette, packaging style, and overall presentation — was nearly identical. To the average consumer, the product appeared legitimate, raising concerns of intentional imitation and brand dilution.

Client Brief

Leading Indian Personal Care Company

Personal Care

Platform

Meesho.com

Solutions

CounterReveal

The Problem

The brand initiated an internal investigation but quickly ran into challenges with fake addresses and untraceable information, making legal action impossible without concrete identification of the perpetrators.

Critical Issues

•Product used different name but closely mimicked original's appearance
•Seller details led to fake and untraceable information
•Internal investigation reached a dead end with no verified leads
•Legal team needed concrete details for civil action

Evidence #1: Counterfeit Product

Strategic Approach

Using our advanced CounterReveal solution, we conducted a multi-layered investigation to pierce through fake identities and uncover the real perpetrator.

Located Suspicious Listings

Investigation began by identifying product listings with clear visual similarities to the client's original hair serum.

Critical component for success
"Check with team about timeline"

Evidence #1: Located Suspicious Listings

Key connection!

Mapped Seller Network

Analysis revealed multiple lookalike products being sold under the same trademark by different seller accounts.

Critical component for success
"Client very satisfied with this"

Evidence #2: Mapped Seller Network

Money trail

Exposed Mole Accounts

Discovered accounts were linked to family members, confirming a network meant to obscure central ownership.

Critical component for success
"Check with team about timeline"

Evidence #3: Exposed Mole Accounts

Digital breadcrumbs

Verified Real Identity

Uncovered suspect's actual contact details, residential address, and bank information for enforcement.

Critical component for success
"Client very satisfied with this"

Evidence #4: Verified Real Identity

Visual ID secured

The Outcome

Thanks to this in-depth investigation:

Key Achievements

Multiple infringing products and seller accounts traced to source
Coordinated network of mole accounts exposed
True identity behind lookalike network revealed
Verified personal and financial data collected
Client equipped with action-ready intelligence

Today's lookalike infringers are no longer operating in the open — they are adapting like counterfeiters, evolving their business models to intentionally mislead and avoid enforcement. With CounterReveal, our client cut through the layers of deception — uncovering the true operator, verifying the network, and enabling immediate, effective action.