U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized designer watches worth more than $2 million, due to trademark violations at the Rochester Airport Port of Entry in Rochester, NY on February 10, 2022.
An incoming commercial shipment was manifested as “lithium metal batteries/watches” and they were seized after a thorough examination determined the contents to be counterfeit watches.
A total of 25 watches were seized by Customs and Border Protection. The watches violated intellectual property rights of the Cartier trademark. Furthermore, officers determined that the watches had a total manufacturers suggested retail price value of approximately $2.3 million dollars.
IPR violations pertain to products that infringe upon U.S. trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Other violations can include misclassification of merchandise, false country of origin markings, health and safety issues, and valuation issues.
These violations can threaten the health and safety of American consumers, the economy and national security.
