Amazon Taps DOJ Prosecutor, Helps 3M, Valentino Fight Fake Goods

Amazon.com, Inc. is turning to a former federal prosecutor to bust counterfeit product sellers, as the online retailer fends off criticism from Congress and potentially costly trademark lawsuits.

Amazon recently launched a new counterfeit crimes unit to be led by associate general counsel Cristina Posa, who joined the company in March after serving as senior counsel for the Justice Department. In June alone, Amazon has partnered with luxury fashion brand Valentino to sue two alleged counterfeiters and helped consumer goods manufacturer 3M Company remove imitation personal protective equipment listings from the site.

The new counterfeit unit was created months ...