Games Workshop (GW) has reportedly significantly changed its approach to its recent AI-powered eBay “counterfeit” strikes.
In the past, GW’s AI enforcers were really gung-ho about flagging legit listings as fake, which seriously ticked off the miniature reseller community. But now, word on the street is that Games Workshop is trying to be more warm and fuzzy with a human-centered approach.
Games Workshop Addresses eBay “Counterfeit” Strikes
The Problem with AI Enforcers
When Games Workshop first rolled out AI to sniff out counterfeit products on platforms like eBay and Amazon through the Brandshield service, the results were all over the place. Sure, the goal was to guard intellectual property, but many honest sellers found their listings getting zapped unfairly.
The AI, bless its heart, just couldn’t tell the difference between the real deal and a fake, causing quite a ruckus.
New Policy: Human Review
Games Workshop (GW) has reportedly brought a human touch back into the mix in response to the uproar. Sellers who think their listings were wrongly flagged can now shoot an email to infringements@gwplc.com. This new approach allows for a more careful review, making sure only the actual fakes get the boot.
How to Resolve a Strike From Games Workshop
Did you get hit with a counterfeit strike on eBay? Here’s your game plan according to other sellers that were affected by this:
- Email GW: Drop a line to infringements@gwplc.com with details about your listing and why you think it was wrongly flagged.
- Provide Evidence: Include any proof or info that backs up your claim.
- Wait for Review: A GW legal representative will check out your case and supposedly get back to you.
Community Reaction
The sellers we spoke with who were affected by these takedowns are pretty happy about this new system. They feel a lot more secure now, knowing there’s an easy way to contest those pesky, unfair strikes.
Moving Forward
GW’s reported shift to a more balanced enforcement policy is a big win for the community. By adding a human review, they’re protecting their IP while also respecting legitimate sellers. We feel like this move highlights the importance of listening to feedback and constantly improving.
Anyone dealing with counterfeit strikes should remember to contact infringements@gwplc.com for help.
Conclusion
By blending human judgment with its enforcement strategy, Games Workshop shows its dedication to brand protection and community support. This balanced approach ensures that genuine sellers can thrive without unnecessary hassle, creating a healthier and more dynamic marketplace for all.
Perhaps using humans instead of AI for the whole process would be a better move overall, but only time will tell if this new process will make a difference.
What do you think of Games Workshop Addressing their eBay Counterfeit Strikes?
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
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About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures. Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including the Adepticon Team Tournament and American Team Tournaments, and is on a first-name basis with almost every major company in the space.
He’s all gaming all the time. With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. He advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1908s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
