As a Customs attorney I find it surprising that intellectual property holders do not take advantage of Customs and Border Protection’s (“CBP”) ability to protect their intellectual property (“IP”). CBP is authorized to search all imports/exports and exclude, detain, and/or seize products that are counterfeit or otherwise infringing on the intellectual property of the IP holder. The way to gain the assistance of CBP is to utilize their Intellectual Property Rights Recordation System
CBP’s record system is separate and apart from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and Copyright office filing. In order to maximize the IP holder’s rights at the border they should record with CBP via the e-Recordation system. CBP has provided some benefits of e-Recording:
- Making intellectual property rights information available at the ports to help CBP personnel with infringement determinations.
- Eliminating paper applications and the need for supporting documents.
- Allowing rights owners to upload images of their protected rights.
Additonally, IP holders can work with Customs in order to help them identify infringers. Businesses and rights owners are encouraged to submit allegations of infringing shipments or conduct to CBP. CBP then uses this information to locate such activity. Further, IP holders can provide CBP with e-guides for detecting infringing goods. Lastly, IP holders can initiate training sessions to actual CBP inspectors at troublesome ports of entry.
To find trademark and copyright records one can access http://iprs.cbp.gov/. I urge IP holders to take advantage of these enforcement opportunities to ensure quality control of their IP rights. One can contact a Customs attorney who can guide an IP holder in maximizing the enforcement of their IP rights with CBP.
You may call us at 347-512-9007 for more information on your international trade and customs issues.
