Controlling fakes - are the repercussions always fair?

Fakes and forgeries are a serious problem. Agreed, it's hard to find sympathy with some trendy scent manufacturer who's ludicrous profit margin is being compromised by knock-offs on auction sites. But do you want your daughter's car driving round with counterfeit brake pads? It's exactly the same issue...

 

Now a computer component manufacturer (FTDI) has taken an unusual stand. By releasing a modified driver (via Windows Update) they can detect and disable counterfeit chips. So, if your USB devices suddenly turn off, that could be why.

 

But is this right? If you buy a bottle of scent from a dodgy vendor at 1/3 the going rate, then (arguably) you should know exactly what's going on, and be prepared for the consequences. But a tiny computer chip deep inside a brand-name laptop bought from a reputable store? If it was under warranty I suppose you could take it back. If not then you, the end customer, will have to carry the can. (Unless you fancy trying to prove a "not fit for use" case? Thought not!) Doesn't seem particularly fair, does it?