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Counterfeit Designer Merchandise Seized by CBP

Release Date
Tue, 12/23/2014

U. S. Customs and Border Protection Officers and Import Specialists Seize Counterfeit Brand Names During Operation ‘Bad Gifts’

JAMAICA, N.Y. – As a consumer during the holiday season, you want to know that the product you purchase is authentic. Every day, U. S. Customs and Border Protection is on the front lines preventing the entry of counterfeit merchandise into the United States.

CBP Seize Counterfeit Brand Names During Operation ‘Bad Gifts’

CBP Seize Counterfeit Brand Names During Operation ‘Bad Gifts’

Operation ‘Bad Gifts’ was conducted at the John F. Kennedy International Mail Facility from December 2nd through December 4th, 2014.  CBP officers, technicians, Import Specialists and International Trade Specialists assigned to the CBP Mobile Intellectual Property Enforcement Team, all participated in the operation.

CBP officers and Import Specialists made 203 seizures of counterfeit sneakers, handbags, watches and sunglasses with Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Michael Kors, Chanel and Coach trademarks in violation of federal anti-counterfeiting laws.

“CBP’s efforts to prevent these counterfeit items from entering the United States is crucial to protecting consumers and our economy,” said Robert E. Perez, Director, Field Operations New York. “Once again our CBP employees at the John F. Kennedy International Mail Facility have demonstrated their exceptional skill and superior commodity expertise.”

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the bags, shoes, watches, and other merchandise, if genuine, is estimated to be more than $450,000.

The Mobile Intellectual Property Enforcement Team is a team of Intellectual Property Rights subject matter experts that are deployable to various ports of entry to conduct and/or provide additional staffing during IPR operations and to provide fundamental guidance on IPR policies, legal authorities and procedures for enforcement.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021