The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) recently reported that during fiscal year 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) seized 32.3 million counterfeit items with a total value of approximately $5.4 billion (if authentic). These 2024 statistics indicate a 125% increase from the prior fiscal year. More specifically, CBP officers reportedly seized around $6.6 million in counterfeit goods on any given day during fiscal year 2023, which yields an approximate annual total of $2.4 billion in value.
CBP has the authority to detain, seize, forfeit, and destroy goods seeking entry into the United States if the merchandise bears an infringing trademark or copyright which is registered on the USPTO’s Principal Register or with the U.S. Copyright Office (“USCO”) that has also been recorded separately with CBP. A CBP recordation remains in force concurrently with the underlying trademark or copyright registration, so long as the CBP recordation is renewed with the trademark registration upon required maintenance or every 20 years for a copyright registration.
If you are interested in recording your trademark or copyright registration with CBP to receive independent enforcement against infringing imports before they enter the United States, our firm can be of assistance. Please contact one of our attorneys for more information.
