INTERNATIONA FALLS, Minn. - More than 1,300 counterfeit items with an estimated retail price of more than $2.4 million dollars were seized by U.S. border officials last month.
On April 25, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers conducted an inspection of three rail cars at the International Falls port of entry destined for Ranier, Minn.
During the inspection, officers discovered 1,315 counterfeit point of sale machines in violation of intellectual property rights regulations that have an estimated manufacturer suggested retail price of $2,453,400.
“The enforcement of trade laws at U.S. ports of entry remains a high priority for us,” said Anthony Jackson, International Falls Port Director, in a media release. “CBP works diligently to protect companies from unauthorized use of their trademarks as well as consumers from counterfeit products.”
The Customs and Border Protection enforcement strategy includes seizing illegal merchandise at the border, audits of suspect importers, and collaborating with industry and governmental agencies.
The purchasing of counterfeit goods can result in a loss of jobs, supports criminal activity, and poses health and safety risks.
