CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Champlain Port of Entry seized designer watches worth more than $100,000 due to trademark infringement.
In August, CBP officers inspected five separate shipments from the same shipper in which one designer watch was discovered within each shipment. After a thorough examination of the merchandise, the watches were determined to be counterfeit. On October 6, the watches were seized for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) violations. These items had a total Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) value of approximately $104,500 dollars.
IPR violations pertain to products that infringe upon U.S. trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Other violations can include misclassification of merchandise, false country-of-origin markings, health and safety issues, and valuation issues. These violations can threaten the health and safety of American consumers, the economy and national security.
“Our officers do an amazing job targeting shipments and identifying these violations,” said Champlain Port Director Steven Bronson. “CBP plays a vital role in protecting consumers and businesses from imported fraudulent items. Counterfeit products have economic impacts, legal implications and can also lead to health and safety risks.”
If you have information about counterfeit merchandise being illegally imported into the U.S., CBP encourages you to submit an E-Allegation. The E-Allegation reporting tool provides a means for the public to anonymously report to CBP any suspected violations of trade laws or regulations related to the importation of goods into the U.S.
CBP has established an educational initiative to raise consumer awareness about the consequences and dangers that can be associated with the purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods. Information about the Truth Behind Counterfeits campaign can be found at www.cbp.gov/fakegoodsrealdangers
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