Houston CBP seizes nearly $1 million in counterfeit lithium batteries

U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced the seizure of 290 cartons of lithium batteries worth nearly $1 million featuring unauthorized Bluetooth branding, protecting the marketplace from counterfeit goods.

Following a meticulous physical examination and coordination with trademark representatives, CBP officers and import specialists from the Trade Enforcement Team at the Area Port of Houston/Galveston confirmed the merchandise violated intellectual property laws. The examination revealed 290 cartons of lithium batteries branded as "EZ Kruiser" bearing the trademarked Bluetooth logo. Further investigation by CBP confirmed the unauthorized use of the Bluetooth logo.

CBP determined that the unauthorized use of the Bluetooth logo on the subject batteries constitutes a violation of 19 CFR 133.21(e). Consequently, the merchandise is subject to seizure pursuant to 19 USC 1526(e).

"These global criminal networks do great harm to hard-working American businesses who play by the rules," said Area Port Director John Landry. "Fake goods not only harm our nation's commerce, but often funds global criminal activity like money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities. CBP encourages consumers to only order merchandise from the trademark holder or other authorized retailer."

In recent months, CBP officers in Houston have seen significant seizures of counterfeit watches, stolen vehicles, baby toys, and World Cup FIFA memorabilia and apparel.

Illegitimate sales are some of the most profitable transnational crimes. Counterfeiters sell inauthentic versions of popular products in response to trends, often through online sources, which adversely impacts legitimate U.S. businesses. These items include fake medications, perfumes, cosmetics, children's toys and costumes. In addition, counterfeit fashion, jewelry, luxury products, and unsafe electronics and automotive parts can pose health and safety risks to American consumers as they are often made with substandard or harmful materials.

To guarantee you are getting what you paid for consumers should shop from reputable sources. Each time a counterfeit good is purchased, a legitimate company loses revenue. This translates to lost profits and the loss of U.S. jobs over time. CBP targets and seizes imports of IPR violative goods. Counterfeits are a global problem with nearly 90% of CBP's IPR seizures originating from China and Hong Kong.

To learn more about what CBP is doing every day to protect Americans from counterfeit goods, visit the Truth Behind Counterfeits public awareness campaign webpage.

CBP protects the intellectual property rights of American businesses through an aggressive Intellectual Property Rights enforcement program, safeguarding them from unfair competition and use for malicious intent while upholding American innovation and ingenuity. Suspected violations can be reported to CBP by visiting the Trade Violations Reporting site or call 1-800-BE-ALERT.

Consumers can also take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from counterfeit goods:

• Purchase goods directly from the trademark holder or from authorized retailers.
• When shopping online, read seller reviews and check for a working U.S. phone number and an address that can be used to contact the seller.
• Review CBP's E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers.
• Remember that if the price of a product seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stop illegal activity and protect lawful commerce into and out of the United States.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Follow the Director of CBP's Houston Field Office on X @DFOHouston and Instagram @dfohouston, CBP Central Texas on X@CBPCentralTX and CBP's Field Operations on Instagram @cbpfieldops for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

• Topics
• Intellectual Property Rights