Protecting Intellectual Property Rights at the Border: How CBP Stops Counterfeit Goods

What are Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)?

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protect creations such as brand names, logos, inventions, designs, and creative works. These protections help businesses safeguard their products and prevent others from selling counterfeit or unauthorized copies. When fake goods enter the U.S. market, they can harm consumers, businesses, and the economy.

What role does CBP play in protecting Intellectual Property Rights?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) works to stop counterfeit and pirated products from entering the United States. At ports of entry, CBP officers inspect imported shipments and may detain, seize, or destroy products that violate registered trademarks or copyrights. This helps protect consumers from unsafe products while supporting legitimate businesses.

How does CBP identify counterfeit products?

CBP uses several methods to identify potentially infringing goods, including:

• Inspecting shipments at U.S. ports of entry

• Comparing products with recorded trademarks and copyrights

• Working directly with intellectual property owners to verify whether goods are authentic

• Using training and technology to recognize counterfeit merchandise

If CBP suspects a shipment contains counterfeit goods, it may detain the products while verifying their authenticity.

Why is Intellectual Property enforcement important?

Counterfeit products can:

• Put consumers at risk if products are unsafe or poorly made

• Hurt legitimate businesses through lost sales

• Damage brand reputation

• Reduce innovation by discouraging companies from developing new products

By enforcing intellectual property laws, CBP helps create a safer marketplace and promotes fair trade.

How can businesses help CBP protect their products?

Businesses can strengthen CBP's enforcement efforts by:

• Registering trademarks and copyrights with the appropriate U.S. agencies

• Recording those rights with CBP through its e-Recordation Program

• Providing product information, images, and training to help CBP identify authentic merchandise

• Reporting suspected counterfeit shipments when they become aware of them

Working together allows CBP and rights holders to more effectively stop counterfeit goods before they enter U.S. commerce.

Review

Protecting Intellectual Property Rights is an important part of CBP's mission to secure U.S. borders while facilitating lawful trade. By preventing counterfeit and pirated goods from entering the country, CBP helps protect consumers, supports American businesses, and encourages innovation across many industries.

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