The GSJ Bootleg Guide
BEFORE YOU COMMENT - PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE GUIDE CAREFULLY!!!
Disclaimer: this guide does not say that all region 0 dvds are bootlegs!
It is against GSJ rules to sell bootlegs (illegal anime/manga/Japanese related goods). Sometimes, when you're new to the fandom, its difficult to spot them.
So here's a quick guide of things you should look out for.
Definition of bootlegs:
Items (dvd/cds/other goods) produced for sale from companies that do not legally hold the copyright authority to produce these. In instances when the Anime/Asian drama products were produced by companies outside of their country of origin, the manufacturer/distributor must hold a legally binding agreement with the original producer of the series with regards to the production/sale of derivative products.
e.g. Bleach anime series
Japanese Production:
Dentsu Inc.
Studio Pierrot
TV Tokyo
Licensed by (For English-speaking audience):
Madman Entertainment Pty. Ltd. (Australia/New Zealand)
Manga Entertainment (UK)
Viz Media (US)
Items produced by companies that do not have this legal agreement are considered BOOTLEGS!!!
(The only items fitting the above definition, but are allowed for sale at GSJ are fanmade items e.g. Doujinshi).
How to spot bootlegged items:
Anime/J-drama/J-movies DVDs/CDs
1 - Check region codes
Like most officially released DVDs, anime DVDs are governed by regions/zones.
American releases: Region 1
Japan releases: Region 2
UK/Europe releases: Region 2
Taiwan/Thailand/South Korea etc releases: Region 3
Australia/New Zealand releases: Region 4
China/Hong Kong: Region 6
Bootlegged anime/drama/movie DVDs are often region free (region 0/All region). This means that they can play on any DVD player and playstation.
There are of course exceptions - e.g. some of the early Manga Entertainment releases, and the Eastern Eye (Japanese movies) titles released by Madman Australia/New Zealand. Some official Asian films/Dramas may also be all region. Please check with sites with good reputation e.g. Yes Asia.
2 - Check language settings
Most official US anime releases are:
a) English track, and Japanese track with English Subtitles.
b) Japanese track with English Subtitles only.
Ocassionally they may have other language subtitles e.g. French or Spanish (such as in the Ghibli releases by Buena Vista)
Similarly with other English speaking countries.
Most Japanese releases only has the Japanese track. Some may also have English subtitles, but this is very rare.
Bootlegged anime DVDs will often have Japanese track with Chinese subtitles (sometimes home made Chinese tracks) + English subtitles. This combination should give you a warning. The English subtitles are usually horribly translated.
Bootlegged copies of licensed Region 1 DVDS: These have English Dub/Subs + Japanese tracks. They are likely to have a lower DVD # per season count than the original AND they will NOT have the name of the official licensing company printed on the packaging (it may be in the credits when watching the DVD - because they copied everything).
Exceptions - some official J- / K- /TW- / C- dramas will have English/Chinese subtitles. These are usually Official overseas releases.
Please verify from sites with good reputations such as Yes Asia.
3 - Packaging
Most US releases comes in the plastic DVD cases, with coverart.
Paper gatefold packaging use to be a good indication of bootlegs, however there are some legitimate US versions (boxsets) that use this type of packaging e.g. Inu Yasha.
A lot of bootlegged Asian drama DVDs are packaged in DVD sleeves and thin cardboard slip cases or (in more official looking) plastic cases but with DVDs in sleeves loosely placed inside) ~ see example pics below.
NB:
You can buy the ones on the left (bootlegs in cardboard slip cases) for as low as 4 RMB (~US$0.60) per series in CHINA! Think before you buy these because you are likely paying for several times the actual value.
Other telltale signs of bootlegs:
4 - Episode number per DVD Disc
While not absolute, most US anime DVDs (with a few exceptions) have 3-5 episodes per disc. Which makes 3-4 DVDs per 12-13 episode season, up to 7 DVDs per 24-26 episode season. 10-13 DVDs per ~50 episode season.
Bootlegged anime DVDs will squeeze these into 2-3 discs - which decreases the quality of the anime.
Exceptions - some anime can have up to 7 episodes per disc, especially if they are in a season/half season box set e.g. Ghost Hunt (Funanimation).
5 - Publishing company
ALWAYS match your titles with the official releases by looking them up through:
US releases - English + Japanese languages - The Righstuf
Others - check out Yes Asia (official JP and overseas releases), CD Japan / amazon.co.jp (official JP releases)
The publishers details are listed in the above sites.
Make sure to compare ISBN, manufacturers' codes as well - this is especially important for items like CDs.
If you know the ISBN, you can directly look them up on amazon.co.jp (JP releases only).
All legitimate media should have their publishing company logo/name printed somewhere on the DVD/CD/packaging!
Known anime bootleg companies:
Often, these manufacturers have some quite obviously 'made up' or Engrish names:
Anime Cartoon / Anime Cartoon International
Anime Studio
Animation Japan International
FX
Another DVD Company
Digital International
DVD Ani
Indian International
K
MAC (Manga Anime Cartoon)
Manga International
Video Animation
Lambaian Filem
J-TV
Speedy Videos
LA Entertainment (apparently distributes 'All Region DVDs' only in Australia and New Zealand - see example below)
Known Asian drama bootleg companies:
Kam & Ronson Enterprises Co Ltd.
Ember Power
Media Way
MPEG Video
Perniagaan Seri Anjung
Vscape Enterprise
Most Taiwanese anime/j-pop cd releases are BOOTLEGS: the following is a list of known bootleg music CD companies and their codes:
SonMay - SM/GGG/GA GGG/GA/GSM/SM/SS/AnG/SMA/SMB/GAME/CK
Ever Anime - A8/TV/CV/NP/GM
KO Records - KO
Alion - ALCA
Miya Records - MICA
Yuanding / Top Circle
Wisdom Records
Hi Fashion
Archer Records - R
Smiley Face Records Ltd - KA/HO
Codes are usually as above (one to three letters) followed by a string of digits (usually up to 3).
Taken from: Animefringe, music3yen
Check out examples of bootleg company logos from Otaku News: The Pirate Anime FAQ
***SonMay releases - this company has produced both bootlegged and licensed soundtracks. Soundtrack titles of anime prior to 2001 are definitely bootlegs (unlicensed), soundtracks produced after 2001 are only legitimate if sold in Taiwan. GSJ caters to an international community, therefore they are considered bootlegs!
6 - Other things to look for
Euphemisms for bootlegged media: Imports / Imported version / [Import] / Taiwanese/Malaysian Version
Releases of recent anime: Japanese DVD releases are usually about 4 months behind the TV broadcasts. Licensed anime DVD releases should be AFTER the Japanese DVD releases. If you see a complete season of an anime that has just recently been broadcasted on Japanese TV or the DVD has yet to be completely released in Japan, then its likely to be a bootleg.
Some Japanese anime series were never released in boxset i.e. Gintama. As of yet, there's no legitimate boxset equivalent in any other country.
Releases of special limited edition (manga associated OVA): Some Japanese anime OVA were only released as a special limited edition version packaged with the manga release. To date, these have not been licensed for release with English subtitles or dubs or in ANY Asian countries!
e.g.
- Tsubasa Shunraiki
- Xxxholic Shunmuki
(^ is true as of when this post was first published)
Fake authentication stickers: Sellers sometimes claim that: "This is an original DVD that comes with original seal and authentication sticker from Malaysian Government. We don't sell fake or copied DVD." <-- Most of the time, this is not true and the stickers are fakes. Please note that the government oversees the censorship review process of the DVD but NOT the licensing of the title. An unlicensed product can also bear an 0fficial 'censorship rating/sticker'. Thus, always check the manufacturer/licensee of the title first!
7 - South Asian Licensed Anime by Odex
Some officially licensed anime with high episode to DVD counts do exist - ones licensed for South-Asia is by Odex (a highly controversial company - please google for details, as the company website is defunct.).
8 - Countries making bootlegged DVDs
The following is a list of countries that has factory-made quality anime and drama (please note that some of these countries do have their own legitimate licensed versions read above for other signs). This is a list of country of origin, NOT country these can be found to be sold in!!! USA imports a lot of these, and they may or may not be marked as 'imports'.
Manga
These are more difficult to spot, but certain titles e.g. Death Note - do not have a legitimate corresponding Chinese version (as far as I know).
Anime/Manga Merchandise - Wallscrolls, posters, plush toys, keychains + others
Again, these are difficult to spot. The 'made in China' sign does not automatically mean that the items are bootlegs.
However, legitimate anime merchandise WILL have the publishing/licensing company printed somewhere on the item (licensing logo).
e.g. Bandai, Hana to Yume etc, Movic etc.
Note: the name of the anime in Japanese or in English DOES NOT COUNT as a licensing logo!
Animate, Movic (sites are in Japanese) and Jpqueen (site in English; defunct.) are good sites to see whether anime-related merchandise released in Japan are authentic . If you find a BRAND NEW item that is selling for significantly lower than the stated RRP, it may be a bootleg.
Legitimate merchandise (excluding 'NOT FOR SALE' items/furoku etc) should have a correct ISBN/barcodes. Bootlegs sometimes borrow the ISBN #/barcode of another legitimate product or display an incorrect ISBN/barcode. Please check these before buying!
Non-Japanese licensed goods - Please check with websites of good reputation to purchase anime/manga goods licensed for international sale. e.g.
Rightstuf - US licensed anime merchandise (wallscrolls/posters/other paraphenalia)
Muse Communication Co. Ltd - Taiwan anime licensing company also selling goods.
Particulars -
Wallscrolls and posters
Legitimate anime wallscrolls are few and far between, most are bootlegs from China.
Poor granulated images are also a sign of bootlegged printed media.
Bleach example - please click to enlarge: the two bottom corners displaying licensing details are circled in red.
Japanese Official releases:
fabric wallscroll
paper wallscroll (note the writing = manufacturer/licensing detail)
Watch out for bootlegs that are made in Taiwan - These may have extremely visible 'Made in Taiwan' in white/off white letterings on the posters. Sometimes, they will also contain some type of codes (letters and numbers) also in the same lettering.
- note that many sellers often call these 'laminated posters' as they are printed on thick glossy paper. They are often printed in the odd size of 21" x 15".
Plush toys - they should have their licensing company printed on the fabric tag that's sewn into the plush. If it does not have one and/or shows a company that is not immediately recognisable as a legitimate manufacturer of plush toys, please be wary of them!
Anime figures
- nutsforanimefigures has a good overview (although it may be slightly out of date).
- myfigurecollection - is a fan-collated database of anime figures with photographic reference to bootleg copies of certain figures. (see note by lemonyokan below) NB: While this database is useful for identifying bootlegged figures, DO NOT assume all links to merchandise referred to from this site are bootleg free! Some anime-related items found in the 'recommended' section are bootlegs! These in general are linked to amazon (US) marketplace sellers!
Recent bootlegged anime figures may also copy the outer packaging and stickers of the authentic release.
You may wish to research authenticity first e.g. ask at figures oriented forums for specific details to look at.
Artbooks
Pertaining to anime/manga related artbook
MOST CHINESE LANGUAGE ANIME/MANGA ARTBOOKS ARE BOOTLEGS!!!
exception - the licensed mainland Chinese version of the Sailor moon artbooks - these are Softcover copies.
Match the ISBN # at the back with known ligitimate images/details from JPQUEEN.
- artbook that are of series originated from China
If your artbook comes with a VCD/DVD - its likely a bootleg.
If your artbook has a manufacturer's email address that is from a free client e.g. yahoo, gmail, or hotmail - its a bootleg.
If your artbook has no ISBN or printing details (or they are very vague) - its likely a bootleg (exception: doujinshi/promo artbooks do not have ISBN, but printer's info should be present).
Visual signs of bootlegged artbook (but could also apply to other printed media e.g. wallscrolls, posters, post cards):
Useful links to check out if you're unsure whether the items you're intending to sell/buy is legitimate:
For legitimate US anime/manga and related items - The Rightstuf
For legitimate licensed Asian movies/series/music - Yes Asia, CD Japan
For legitimate licensed anime/manga goods straight from Japan - JPQUEEN (defunct.), animate (site in Japanese), animaxis (defunct.)
Other bootleg guides:
Otaku News: The Pirate Anime FAQ
Animefringe: Made in Taiwan
Note: Just because an item is for sale on Amazon, Ebay, at a convention or at any other major anime/book stores DOES NOT automatically mean they are legitimate licensed items.
Bootleg sellers do sell through these venues!!!
Example of a major chain store selling bootlegs:
Updated: 27 Aug 2012
Disclaimer: this guide does not say that all region 0 dvds are bootlegs!
It is against GSJ rules to sell bootlegs (illegal anime/manga/Japanese related goods). Sometimes, when you're new to the fandom, its difficult to spot them.
So here's a quick guide of things you should look out for.
Definition of bootlegs:
Items (dvd/cds/other goods) produced for sale from companies that do not legally hold the copyright authority to produce these. In instances when the Anime/Asian drama products were produced by companies outside of their country of origin, the manufacturer/distributor must hold a legally binding agreement with the original producer of the series with regards to the production/sale of derivative products.
e.g. Bleach anime series
Japanese Production:
Dentsu Inc.
Studio Pierrot
TV Tokyo
Licensed by (For English-speaking audience):
Madman Entertainment Pty. Ltd. (Australia/New Zealand)
Manga Entertainment (UK)
Viz Media (US)
Items produced by companies that do not have this legal agreement are considered BOOTLEGS!!!
(The only items fitting the above definition, but are allowed for sale at GSJ are fanmade items e.g. Doujinshi).
How to spot bootlegged items:
Anime/J-drama/J-movies DVDs/CDs
1 - Check region codes
Like most officially released DVDs, anime DVDs are governed by regions/zones.
American releases: Region 1
Japan releases: Region 2
UK/Europe releases: Region 2
Taiwan/Thailand/South Korea etc releases: Region 3
Australia/New Zealand releases: Region 4
China/Hong Kong: Region 6
Bootlegged anime/drama/movie DVDs are often region free (region 0/All region). This means that they can play on any DVD player and playstation.
There are of course exceptions - e.g. some of the early Manga Entertainment releases, and the Eastern Eye (Japanese movies) titles released by Madman Australia/New Zealand. Some official Asian films/Dramas may also be all region. Please check with sites with good reputation e.g. Yes Asia.
2 - Check language settings
Most official US anime releases are:
a) English track, and Japanese track with English Subtitles.
b) Japanese track with English Subtitles only.
Ocassionally they may have other language subtitles e.g. French or Spanish (such as in the Ghibli releases by Buena Vista)
Similarly with other English speaking countries.
Most Japanese releases only has the Japanese track. Some may also have English subtitles, but this is very rare.
Bootlegged anime DVDs will often have Japanese track with Chinese subtitles (sometimes home made Chinese tracks) + English subtitles. This combination should give you a warning. The English subtitles are usually horribly translated.
Bootlegged copies of licensed Region 1 DVDS: These have English Dub/Subs + Japanese tracks. They are likely to have a lower DVD # per season count than the original AND they will NOT have the name of the official licensing company printed on the packaging (it may be in the credits when watching the DVD - because they copied everything).
Exceptions - some official J- / K- /TW- / C- dramas will have English/Chinese subtitles. These are usually Official overseas releases.
Please verify from sites with good reputations such as Yes Asia.
3 - Packaging
Most US releases comes in the plastic DVD cases, with coverart.
Paper gatefold packaging use to be a good indication of bootlegs, however there are some legitimate US versions (boxsets) that use this type of packaging e.g. Inu Yasha.
A lot of bootlegged Asian drama DVDs are packaged in DVD sleeves and thin cardboard slip cases or (in more official looking) plastic cases but with DVDs in sleeves loosely placed inside) ~ see example pics below.
NB:
You can buy the ones on the left (bootlegs in cardboard slip cases) for as low as 4 RMB (~US$0.60) per series in CHINA! Think before you buy these because you are likely paying for several times the actual value.
Other telltale signs of bootlegs:
- Chinese Language (please note the difference between Chinese and Japanese Kanji - I have yet to come across an any legitimate Japanese anime items with packaging completely in Kanji) and poor image quality on packaging.
- the 'Golden' DVD sign.
<- commonly found on bootlegged anime.
4 - Episode number per DVD Disc
While not absolute, most US anime DVDs (with a few exceptions) have 3-5 episodes per disc. Which makes 3-4 DVDs per 12-13 episode season, up to 7 DVDs per 24-26 episode season. 10-13 DVDs per ~50 episode season.
Bootlegged anime DVDs will squeeze these into 2-3 discs - which decreases the quality of the anime.
Exceptions - some anime can have up to 7 episodes per disc, especially if they are in a season/half season box set e.g. Ghost Hunt (Funanimation).
5 - Publishing company
ALWAYS match your titles with the official releases by looking them up through:
US releases - English + Japanese languages - The Righstuf
Others - check out Yes Asia (official JP and overseas releases), CD Japan / amazon.co.jp (official JP releases)
The publishers details are listed in the above sites.
Make sure to compare ISBN, manufacturers' codes as well - this is especially important for items like CDs.
If you know the ISBN, you can directly look them up on amazon.co.jp (JP releases only).
All legitimate media should have their publishing company logo/name printed somewhere on the DVD/CD/packaging!
Known anime bootleg companies:
Often, these manufacturers have some quite obviously 'made up' or Engrish names:
Anime Cartoon / Anime Cartoon International
Anime Studio
Animation Japan International
FX
Another DVD Company
Digital International
DVD Ani
Indian International
K
MAC (Manga Anime Cartoon)
Manga International
Video Animation
Lambaian Filem
J-TV
Speedy Videos
LA Entertainment (apparently distributes 'All Region DVDs' only in Australia and New Zealand - see example below)
Known Asian drama bootleg companies:
Kam & Ronson Enterprises Co Ltd.
Ember Power
Media Way
MPEG Video
Perniagaan Seri Anjung
Vscape Enterprise
Most Taiwanese anime/j-pop cd releases are BOOTLEGS: the following is a list of known bootleg music CD companies and their codes:
SonMay - SM/GGG/GA GGG/GA/GSM/SM/SS/AnG/SMA/SMB/GAME/CK
Ever Anime - A8/TV/CV/NP/GM
KO Records - KO
Alion - ALCA
Miya Records - MICA
Yuanding / Top Circle
Wisdom Records
Hi Fashion
Archer Records - R
Smiley Face Records Ltd - KA/HO
Codes are usually as above (one to three letters) followed by a string of digits (usually up to 3).
Taken from: Animefringe, music3yen
Check out examples of bootleg company logos from Otaku News: The Pirate Anime FAQ
***SonMay releases - this company has produced both bootlegged and licensed soundtracks. Soundtrack titles of anime prior to 2001 are definitely bootlegs (unlicensed), soundtracks produced after 2001 are only legitimate if sold in Taiwan. GSJ caters to an international community, therefore they are considered bootlegs!
6 - Other things to look for
Euphemisms for bootlegged media: Imports / Imported version / [Import] / Taiwanese/Malaysian Version
Releases of recent anime: Japanese DVD releases are usually about 4 months behind the TV broadcasts. Licensed anime DVD releases should be AFTER the Japanese DVD releases. If you see a complete season of an anime that has just recently been broadcasted on Japanese TV or the DVD has yet to be completely released in Japan, then its likely to be a bootleg.
Some Japanese anime series were never released in boxset i.e. Gintama. As of yet, there's no legitimate boxset equivalent in any other country.
Releases of special limited edition (manga associated OVA): Some Japanese anime OVA were only released as a special limited edition version packaged with the manga release. To date, these have not been licensed for release with English subtitles or dubs or in ANY Asian countries!
e.g.
- Tsubasa Shunraiki
- Xxxholic Shunmuki
(^ is true as of when this post was first published)
Fake authentication stickers: Sellers sometimes claim that: "This is an original DVD that comes with original seal and authentication sticker from Malaysian Government. We don't sell fake or copied DVD." <-- Most of the time, this is not true and the stickers are fakes. Please note that the government oversees the censorship review process of the DVD but NOT the licensing of the title. An unlicensed product can also bear an 0fficial 'censorship rating/sticker'. Thus, always check the manufacturer/licensee of the title first!
7 - South Asian Licensed Anime by Odex
Some officially licensed anime with high episode to DVD counts do exist - ones licensed for South-Asia is by Odex (a highly controversial company - please google for details, as the company website is defunct.).
8 - Countries making bootlegged DVDs
The following is a list of countries that has factory-made quality anime and drama (please note that some of these countries do have their own legitimate licensed versions read above for other signs). This is a list of country of origin, NOT country these can be found to be sold in!!! USA imports a lot of these, and they may or may not be marked as 'imports'.
- China (Mainland and Hong Kong)
- Taiwan
- Malaysia (see above note about fake authentication stickers)
- Singapore
Manga
These are more difficult to spot, but certain titles e.g. Death Note - do not have a legitimate corresponding Chinese version (as far as I know).
Anime/Manga Merchandise - Wallscrolls, posters, plush toys, keychains + others
Again, these are difficult to spot. The 'made in China' sign does not automatically mean that the items are bootlegs.
However, legitimate anime merchandise WILL have the publishing/licensing company printed somewhere on the item (licensing logo).
e.g. Bandai, Hana to Yume etc, Movic etc.
Note: the name of the anime in Japanese or in English DOES NOT COUNT as a licensing logo!
Animate, Movic (sites are in Japanese) and Jpqueen (site in English; defunct.) are good sites to see whether anime-related merchandise released in Japan are authentic . If you find a BRAND NEW item that is selling for significantly lower than the stated RRP, it may be a bootleg.
Legitimate merchandise (excluding 'NOT FOR SALE' items/furoku etc) should have a correct ISBN/barcodes. Bootlegs sometimes borrow the ISBN #/barcode of another legitimate product or display an incorrect ISBN/barcode. Please check these before buying!
Non-Japanese licensed goods - Please check with websites of good reputation to purchase anime/manga goods licensed for international sale. e.g.
Rightstuf - US licensed anime merchandise (wallscrolls/posters/other paraphenalia)
Muse Communication Co. Ltd - Taiwan anime licensing company also selling goods.
Particulars -
Wallscrolls and posters
Legitimate anime wallscrolls are few and far between, most are bootlegs from China.
Poor granulated images are also a sign of bootlegged printed media.
- Wallscrolls should always have their licensing company(ies) printed on the fabric (example link - note that Viz/Shounen Jump are both visible on the actual fabric)
Bleach example - please click to enlarge: the two bottom corners displaying licensing details are circled in red.
Japanese Official releases:
fabric wallscroll
paper wallscroll (note the writing = manufacturer/licensing detail)
- Merchandise posters (i.e. not magazine ripouts) should also have the licensing company printed on it.
Watch out for bootlegs that are made in Taiwan - These may have extremely visible 'Made in Taiwan' in white/off white letterings on the posters. Sometimes, they will also contain some type of codes (letters and numbers) also in the same lettering.
- note that many sellers often call these 'laminated posters' as they are printed on thick glossy paper. They are often printed in the odd size of 21" x 15".
Plush toys - they should have their licensing company printed on the fabric tag that's sewn into the plush. If it does not have one and/or shows a company that is not immediately recognisable as a legitimate manufacturer of plush toys, please be wary of them!
Anime figures
- nutsforanimefigures has a good overview (although it may be slightly out of date).
- myfigurecollection - is a fan-collated database of anime figures with photographic reference to bootleg copies of certain figures. (see note by lemonyokan below) NB: While this database is useful for identifying bootlegged figures, DO NOT assume all links to merchandise referred to from this site are bootleg free! Some anime-related items found in the 'recommended' section are bootlegs! These in general are linked to amazon (US) marketplace sellers!
Recent bootlegged anime figures may also copy the outer packaging and stickers of the authentic release.
You may wish to research authenticity first e.g. ask at figures oriented forums for specific details to look at.
Artbooks
Pertaining to anime/manga related artbook
MOST CHINESE LANGUAGE ANIME/MANGA ARTBOOKS ARE BOOTLEGS!!!
exception - the licensed mainland Chinese version of the Sailor moon artbooks - these are Softcover copies.
Match the ISBN # at the back with known ligitimate images/details from JPQUEEN.
- artbook that are of series originated from China
If your artbook comes with a VCD/DVD - its likely a bootleg.
If your artbook has a manufacturer's email address that is from a free client e.g. yahoo, gmail, or hotmail - its a bootleg.
If your artbook has no ISBN or printing details (or they are very vague) - its likely a bootleg (exception: doujinshi/promo artbooks do not have ISBN, but printer's info should be present).
Visual signs of bootlegged artbook (but could also apply to other printed media e.g. wallscrolls, posters, post cards):
- grainy image
- artworks that looks like its been cut off
- artworks that has a weird border <-- looks like the serrated joining area for a clear file? that's where it came from!
Useful links to check out if you're unsure whether the items you're intending to sell/buy is legitimate:
For legitimate US anime/manga and related items - The Rightstuf
For legitimate licensed Asian movies/series/music - Yes Asia, CD Japan
For legitimate licensed anime/manga goods straight from Japan - JPQUEEN (defunct.), animate (site in Japanese), animaxis (defunct.)
Other bootleg guides:
Otaku News: The Pirate Anime FAQ
Animefringe: Made in Taiwan
Note: Just because an item is for sale on Amazon, Ebay, at a convention or at any other major anime/book stores DOES NOT automatically mean they are legitimate licensed items.
Bootleg sellers do sell through these venues!!!
Example of a major chain store selling bootlegs:
Updated: 27 Aug 2012