U.S. Customs – Your Personal Policeman at the Border
Introduction
Many companies mistakenly believe that registering a trademark or copyright with the U.S. Government provides sufficient protection and remedies. However, there is an additional step that can significantly enhance protection—recording trademarks or copyrights with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. Customs).
This blog explores the distinct goals of these processes and the advantages of recording intellectual property with the U.S. Customs.
I. Registering with USPTO and Recording with U.S. Customs: Different Goals
- Registering with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or U.S. Copyright Office gives public notice of ownership.
- Recording with U.S. Customs aims to prevent unauthorized importation of merchandise bearing the registered intellectual property.
- U.S. Customs serves as a critical partner in halting counterfeit and infringing products from entering or leaving the United States.
II. Benefits of Recording Trademarks or Copyrights with U.S. Customs
Seizure and Monitoring:
- U.S. Customs monitors and seizes infringing merchandise at ports of entry, alleviating the burden on trademark or copyright holders.
- This proactive approach eliminates the need to individually locate and prosecute every unauthorized importer, distributor, or retailer, safeguarding intellectual […]
