Friday, December 18, 2009

CBP in Charleston Intercepts Counterfeit Shirts

December 18, 2009: Charleston, S.C. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Charleston seized 701 cartons of counterfeit “Gap” and “Faded Glory” polo shirts, along with other commingled merchandise on December 3, officials announced today. The shipment had a total domestic value of $28,129 and a manufacturers suggested retail price of $415,306.

CBP officers discovered the shipment of counterfeit merchandise in a container that was selected for examination. A total of 10,842 boy’s polo shirts bearing the Gap logo and 8,014 men’s polo shirts bearing the Faded Glory logo were seized.

“CBP has a lead role in protecting both the American consumer and domestic businesses,” said Robert A. Fencel, area port director in Charleston. “This seizure is an excellent example of the steps CBP has taken in the area of enforcing IPR laws. We will continue to educate our officers and work with our stakeholders in the trade community to continue these efforts to combat the importation of illegitimate trade items."

P has designated intellectual property rights enforcement as a Priority Trade Issue. Our strategic approach to IPR enforcement is multi-layered and includes seizing fake goods at our borders, pushing the border outward through audits of infringing importers and cooperation with our international trading partners, and partnering with industry and other government agencies to enhance these efforts. CBP devotes considerable resources and diverse personnel to the enforcement of IPR.

For more information on intellectual property rights dealing with trademarks, please go to the CBP Web site.

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