Press Release
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers working at the International Falls port of entry recently targeted a rail container destined to arrive in Ranier, Mn.
In October, CBP officers inspected the rail container and discovered merchandise in violation of intellectual property rights (IPR) regulations.
The merchandise consisted of 355 home theater speaker systems.
Examination of the speaker systems revealed counterfeit markings. As a result, CBP seized those items.
The counterfeit merchandise has an aggregate manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $990,415.
“Counterfeiting adversely affects lawful rights’ holders of their original ideas and the ability to make a profit from them,” said International Falls port director Anthony Jackson.
“Counterfeiting also harms consumers because manufacturers of forged products have little motivation to use safe, high-quality materials in their products,” he added.
Stopping the flow of illicit goods is a priority trade issue for CBP.
The importation of counterfeit merchandise can damage the U.S. economy, and threaten the health and safety of the American people.
