Why BE@RBRICK fakes are so common
A single KAWS x BE@RBRICK 1000% can sell for $10,000+. At those prices, counterfeiters have massive incentive. Fakes range from cheap obvious knockoffs to factory-grade replicas that fool even experienced collectors. The good news: Medicom Toy builds in several authentication markers that are hard to replicate perfectly.
The Medicom stamp
Every authentic BE@RBRICK has a Medicom Toy stamp on the bottom of one foot and production info on the other. This is the single most reliable authentication check.
- Authentic stamp is cleanly embossed with sharp edges
- Bootleg stamps are often shallow, blurry, or slightly misaligned
- The font should match known authentic examples exactly
- Some fakes omit the stamp entirely — instant red flag
- Production year and series info should match the known release
Box and packaging
Medicom uses high-quality packaging with consistent design standards across all BE@RBRICK releases.
- Authentic boxes use thick, sturdy cardboard
- Print quality is sharp and colors are accurate
- Blister window is clear and well-fitted
- Bootleg boxes often have thinner cardboard and slight color shifts
- Check for the correct Medicom Toy logo placement and size
Paint quality
Medicom's paint application is precise and consistent. Bootlegs struggle with this the most on detailed or multi-color designs.
- Clean, sharp boundaries between colors
- No bleeding, dripping, or rough edges
- Consistent finish (matte where it should be matte, glossy where glossy)
- Bootleg paint often feels slightly sticky or has a different texture
- On collaboration pieces, compare paint patterns to official product photos pixel by pixel
Joint quality
BE@RBRICK joints should move smoothly and hold position. The quality of the plastic and assembly is a key differentiator.
- Authentic joints rotate smoothly with slight resistance
- Bootleg joints are often too loose (floppy) or too tight (stuck)
- The plastic at joint connections should be clean with no flash or rough edges
- Arms and legs should sit flush when in default position
Weight and material
Authentic BE@RBRICK uses specific ABS plastic. The weight should be consistent for each size class.
- 100% (7cm) should feel solid for its size, not hollow
- 400% (28cm) has noticeable heft — bootlegs feel lighter
- 1000% (70cm) is significantly heavy — weight difference is very noticeable on fakes
- Material should feel smooth, not rough or cheap
Price reality check
Know what things actually cost. If you're getting a deal that doesn't exist anywhere else, there's a reason.
- A new KAWS 1000% for under $500 is almost certainly fake
- Check current aftermarket prices on Tokyofishmarket before buying
- If a seller has unlimited stock of a limited edition, walk away
- 'Factory direct' or 'overstock' stories are almost always lies
Know your sizes
BE@RBRICK comes in standard sizes. Each size has different characteristics and different price points. Knowing the specs helps you spot fakes that are slightly off-size.
When you're not sure
BE@RBRICK authentication can be tricky on older or rarer pieces where reference photos are scarce.