By Jennifer Diaz|2016-03-17T17:46:23-04:00February 17, 2016|Customs Broker, Customs Expert, Events, Expert, Import, Intellectual Property Rights, International Business, International Law, International Trade, IPR, Trademarks and Logos, Pre-compliance|0 Comments
Ongoing Hoverboard Concerns
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Address Ongoing Litigation & Seizure of one of the hottest toys, the Hoverboard.
Hoverboards, as they are commonly known, are self-balancing two-wheeled electric scooters. They are powered by controversial rechargeable batteries that have recently garnered attention for malfunctioning, causing devices to catch fire and destroy homes. The lithium-ion batteries have been known to overheat, catch fire, and explode without warning.
Several airlines have begun to prohibit transportation of the boards aboard aircraft, due to safety concerns. Amazon.com is placing safety first and offering consumers that have purchased a hoverboard from Amazon a full refund. Hoverboards are also facing additional litigation from Mark Cuban, who potentially has a patent infringement claim against Walmart for selling the devices.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, “The federal government continues to work in close coordination on this serious issue. Officials from CPSC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration are regularly sharing information and insights with a common goal of taking whatever steps are necessary to prevent injuries and property damage from fires and falls.” They recommend having a fire extinguisher handy and keeping the device far away from combustible materials while charging. There are not currently any safety standards in place for hoverboards, which would require proof of sound design, manufacturing, and quality control processes. This lack of regulation adds to the danger […]
Top Trade Attorney Jennifer Diaz Opens Diaz Trade Law, P.A.
Jennifer Diaz, Esq., former shareholder and chair of the Customs and International Trade practice group in the Miami office of law firm Becker & Poliakoff, has announced the opening of DIAZ TRADE LAW, P.A., specializing in Customs and International Trade Services. Ms. Diaz will remain Of Counsel to Becker & Poliakoff.
Ms. Diaz is Board Certified in International Law by the Florida Bar. She received a law degree from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami. Throughout her career, Diaz has been recognized as an outstanding leader and since 2012 has been named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, is AV Rated, and has received numerous awards and accolades including: “40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida” award, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Winner of 2015 AXA Advisors Global Businesswomen of the Year Award; “Outstanding Committee Outreach Award,” Young Interest Network (YIN) Co-Chair, American Bar Association; International Women’s Day Honoree, World Trade Center.
Ms. Diaz is an expert in working with the many Federal agencies that regulate trade and prides herself on being proactive and results oriented on behalf of clients. She is a sought after professional speaker and writer, known for engaging her audiences and easily explaining dense subject matter.
ABOUT DIAZ TRADE LAW, P.A.
Diaz Trade Law represents global clients of every size, from individuals and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies in import and/or export compliance and enforcement mitigation services. The firm has expertise in assisting companies […]
Five Day TRADE Conference in Fort Lauderdale

FITCE is a five-day event that is held October 12th to 16th at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center. World leaders, high level networking, business opportunities and expert panelists are just some of the reasons to attend FITCE.
Attendees will be able to sell their products and services to over 30 countries, meet trade commissioners, and learn inside information on how to successfully import and export. Each day will feature partners, professionals, and dignitaries who are leading the way to help ensure South Florida is THE place to do business. Here are just a few of the leaders that will be at FITCE:
- Leonel Fernandez, Former President of Dominican Republic
- Jorge Quiroga, Former President of Bolivia
- Jerry Naumoff, Macedonia Minister of Foreign Direct Investment
- Pancrace Boongo Nkoy, Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises
- Chet Greene, Antigua Minister of Industry, Trade & Commerce
- Marco Midence, Honduras Minister of Technology & Communications
- Carlos Lopez Cantera, Lieutenant Governor of Florida
In addition to connecting with these former Presidents, Ministers, and Dignitaries, I will lead a panel to discuss the top […]
Exports from China are on the Rise – What is your IPR Plan?
On April 11, amid a high demand for soccer apparel in preparation for FIFA World Cup, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized counterfeit soccer apparel shipped from China to the Port of Savannah. The value of the seized goods exceeded $1 million in manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). The apparel seized contained counterfeit trademarks of the following professional soccer clubs: Arsenal, Barcelona, Celtic, Chelsea, Mexican Federation, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid. Little did they know they should have tried to import Germany’s soccer club’s apparel. “You look at that Chelsea patch, and it just looks off,” said Steve Sapp, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “The last B is smaller than the rest, and that’s the kind of thing you often see with these counterfeit goods. Our investigators know the signs that these goods aren’t real.” Both images are provided below for you to see for yourself – check out the extra space at the top, and the “u” in club.
This month, CBP again seized a shipment of counterfeit soccer apparel from China. This time, the shipment arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico and the apparel consisted of Brazilian, Italian and Argentinian national soccer clubs’ uniforms. “The trade in these illegitimate goods is associated with smuggling and other criminal activities, and often funds criminal enterprises”, stated Area Port Director Juan Hurtado. The apparel shipped to Puerto Rico violated the intellectual property rights (IPRs) of Puma, Adidas and Nike.
With exports from China rising, protecting intellectual […]



