[sigterm]

Going with your example, if AMD uses "Core" or "Xeon" in the name of their chip, it is most likely infringing the trademark of Intel. But in this case, it's more like AMD is simply branding their chip with exact Intel product name and sold as if it's from Intel. I don't think this is a trademark issue any more, it's more like fraud.

Does anyone even know what entity designed and made the fake FTDI chip?

I find many people don't seem to understand what making compatible chip means. It's very common to have legitimate, drop in replacement for popular ICs. But this fake FTDI chip is certainly not the case here.

[deelowe]

No, it's trademark and trademark only. Generic medicine puts on the label of their products "compare to brand name XXX." There's nothing wrong with this. As long as you don't impersonate another companies mark. Is it a flagrant violation? Sure. Doesn't change that this is still (only) a civil matter.