Since the Shimano LG700-50T is manufactured in China at its wholly owned Kunshan factory, there is a higher probability that this cassette isn't counterfeit. OTOH, If Shimano is outsourcing the manufacture of the sub components used in the cassette to 3rd party manufacturers in China, then the possibility of counterfeits increases. If they are copying these cassettes, they are more likely legitimate "grey-market" OEM parts sold without retail packaging.