October 28, 09

NEWS / CBP Miami Seizes Fake Sunglasses Worth $7.7 Million

Miami — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Miami seaport on Friday seized 97 parcels containing sunglasses and reading glasses with infringing trademarks of brands such as Christian Dior, XOXO, Chanel, D&G and Burberry.


The shipments had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of nearly $7.7 million, and a domestic value of approximately $388,000.


CBP officers discovered the merchandise while conducting a trade examination at the Miami seaport. Samples were turned over to CBP import specialists for intellectual property rights review. The shipment was seized after it was determined to infringe on trademarks which were recorded with CBP.


CBP combats the threats posed by counterfeiting and piracy to U.S. industry, consumers and national security. Our strategic approach to IPR enforcement is multi-layered and includes seizing counterfeit and pirated goods at U.S. borders. CBP inspects, discovers, and seizes counterfeit merchandise to ensure that manufacturers and consumers are not taken advantage of by unscrupulous criminals.


“The people who traffic in this type of crime not only steal from legitimate companies, but they also dupe the unknowing consumer into buying items that are substandard. In some cases a counterfeit item that does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications can threaten the health or safety of a consumer. CBP Miami is committed to stopping trade in pirated and counterfeit goods,” said director of Field Operations Harold Woodward.


In fiscal year 2008, the domestic value of counterfeit sunglasses/parts seized nationwide was $7.9 million which more than doubled the 2007 seizures of $3.9 million.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10282009.xml