The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a press release announcing a new multi-agency task force, The Global Trade Task Force (GTTF), which is designed to protect national security and combat counterfeit goods. The multi-agency task force was launched recently in Detroit and DHS believes the task force could serve as a national model for related investigations.
In a press release, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) directed United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to block future timber imports from a Peruvian exporter, Inversiones Oroza SRL for three years or until it is determined that the company has complied with all applicable Peruvian laws, regulations, and other measures, whichever is shorter. This is the first enforcement action taken by the […]
Last year, on a typical day the U.S. Customs and Border Protections (CBP) seized about $3.8 million worth of products because of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Violations. CBP reported that the total number of IPR seizures has increased nine (9) percent since last year, from 28,865 in 2015 to 31,560 in 2016. With the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) exceeding $1.3 trillion.
What is Causing the Increase in Seizures?
Recordation of Trademark And Copyright With The CBP
In addition to registration of IPR with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO for trademarks), or the U.S. Copyright Office (for copyrights), owners can record said trademark or copyright with CBP. This additional step grants CBP additional enforcement power in both seizing counterfeit and piratical goods as well as thereafter issuing penalties for the MSRP value of the goods. In previous blog posts, we explained benefits of taking the extra step of recording your registered trademark or copyright with CBP, and CBP’s additional enforcement powers as a result of the recordations. […]