A New Initiative to Address Fan Concerns
For figure enthusiasts, distinguishing genuine products from counterfeits is becoming increasingly difficult each year. In response, major hobby manufacturer MegaHouse has announced that it will introduce an “Authenticity Certification Seal” starting in September 2025. This new initiative aims to clearly differentiate official products from counterfeit ones that infringe upon intellectual property rights.
Why an “Authentication Seal”? — The Growing Threat of Counterfeits
According to MegaHouse, counterfeit versions of its products have been found both domestically and overseas. These imitations not only damage the brand’s value but also create significant confusion among consumers. In response, MegaHouse has been collaborating with companies such as Bandai to create an environment where “counterfeits are neither produced nor sold.”
The introduction of the seal is an extension of these efforts. By affixing the seal to product packaging, the goal is to enable consumers to instantly recognize that “this is the real thing.”
What Changes with the Seal? — Three Key Benefits
- Increased Peace of Mind at the Time of Purchase
Reducing the risk of mistakenly buying a fake lowers the psychological barrier to purchasing figures.
- Suppression of Counterfeit Distribution
If the presence or absence of the seal becomes a standard for judgment, the distribution of counterfeit goods is expected to decline.
- Enhanced Brand Trustworthiness
The ability to clearly distinguish genuine products will further strengthen MegaHouse’s brand value.
The Seal Isn’t Foolproof — Challenges Ahead
That said, there is always a possibility that the seal itself could be counterfeited. To truly combat the issue of fake products, it will be necessary to implement more sophisticated measures, such as ensuring traceability across the entire supply chain and introducing digital authentication technologies (e.g., QR codes or blockchain integration).
Counterfeit Countermeasures as a Foundation for Trust
MegaHouse’s introduction of the “Authenticity Certification Seal” is more than just a label—it represents a first step toward protecting customer trust. It is also a critical initiative from the perspectives of safeguarding intellectual property and sustaining fan communities.
Will this lead other manufacturers to follow suit? The fight against counterfeit products in the hobby industry is poised to enter its next phase.