Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to seize imported goods that violate registered Trademarks. However, CBP will generally not seek out counterfeit goods that are simply on the principal register. In order for CBP to seize and block the entry of counterfeit imports, you as the Trademark holder must record your TM with CBP and educate CBP of the nature of your TM. Specifically, as the TM holder, you can provide training presentations to CBP, photos and samples of your products, and detailed product catalogs and descriptions to the CEE’s. Educating CBP about your product can be time-consuming but will payoff by informing CBP how to pinpoint counterfeit products that are harming your business. The cost to register your TM with CBP is $190. Seizures of counterfeit imports that violate TM’s and copyrights are on the rise. CBP wants to seize counterfeit imports for you, but you must register your TM with CBP and educate them on the TM and product.
Coffee & Trade 