Intellectual Property Rights

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - In advance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations joined Tuesday to caution the public about the real dangers of purchasing goods that may be counterfeit, restricted or prohibited.

This joint engagement with local media is designed to make the public aware of the real dangers of such products and how these products are part of a larger transnational criminal enterprise.

CINCINNATI—Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati seized a shipment containing a counterfeit watch. If the watch--which came from India--had been genuine, this single piece would have been worth over $3.78 million.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Buffalo Port of Entry, Peace Bridge warehouse, seized multiple designer items for bearing counterfeit trademarks.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - In just two days, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and import specialists seized 44 shipments from various express consignment facilities in Puerto Rico containing products violating intellectual property rights. If the items were genuine, the combined Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is estimated at $873,000.    

CBP seized products ranging from clothing and footwear to jewelry, purses and watches. The merchandise originated from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Colombia and Singapore.  

CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Champlain Port of Entry seized a commercial shipment of children’s sleepwear that failed flammability requirement standards.

CINCINNATI– With the holidays approaching, counterfeiters will be targeting consumer’s pocketbooks as they shop for gifts during the holidays. What consumers likely don’t know is purchasing knockoffs provides funding to organized criminal organizations. From October 25 to October 28, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati seized three shipments containing 795 pieces of counterfeit designer watches and jewelry.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry Cargo Facility seized hair dryers on behalf of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

INDIANAPOLIS— Last night, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Indianapolis seized two shipments containing 362 counterfeit designer watches. The items were deemed to be counterfeit by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the agency’s trade experts, and if genuine, would have had a combined Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) over $2 million.

LOUISVILLE, Ky— Last night, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville seized a shipment containing 1,747 pieces of counterfeit designer rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The items were deemed to be counterfeit by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the agency’s trade experts, and if genuine, would have had a combined Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) over $12 million.

CHICAGO– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Chicago O’Hare’s International Mail Branch, seized a shipment last night containing 67 pieces of counterfeit designer watches, bracelets, handbags, and scarves. The items were deemed to be counterfeit by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the agency’s trade experts, and if genuine, would have had a combined Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) over $1 million.