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 for the port of entry in Ranier.
In early July, CBP officers inspected the container and discovered merchandise that violated multiple laws and regulations.
The merchandise consisted of 740 automobile navigation systems.
Examination of the merchandise led officers to further investigate licences, trademarks, and patents required.
Upon discussion with the trademark holders, it was determined neither the importer nor the manufacturer were licensed to display trademarks or manufacture the merchandise in question.
As a result, CBP seized those items.
The counterfeit merchandise had an aggregate manufacturer’s suggested retail price of more than $1.3 million.
“CBP remains focused on enforcing the importation of counterfeit products while facilitating the lawful importation of merchandise,” said Anthony (“Tony”) Jackson, the port director in International Falls.
Stopping the flow of illicit goods is a priority trade issue for CBP.
The importation of counterfeit merchandise can damage the U.S. economy, as well as threaten the health and safety of the American people.
With the growth of foreign trade, unscrupulous companies have profited billions of dollars from the sale of counterfeit and pirated goods.
To combat the illicit trade of merchandise violating laws relating to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), trademark, and copyright holders may register with CBP through an online system.
Such registration assists CBP officers and import specialists in identifying merchandise that violate U.S. law.
CBP’s IPR enforcement strategy is multi-layered.
It includes seizing illegal merchandise at our borders, pushing the border “outward” through audits of suspect importers, co-operating with our international trading partners, and collaborating with industry and governmental agencies to enhance these efforts.
