CBP, ICE report record number of Intellectual Property Rights seizures for fiscal year 2017

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seized a record number of shipments of goods that violated Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in fiscal year (FY) 2017, CBP announced Monday.

The two agencies seized 34,143 shipments of goods that violated IPR, an eight percent increase over fiscal year 2016. Had the products been genuine, the total estimated manufacturers’ suggested retail price (MSRP) would have been $1.2 billion.

“The theft of intellectual property and trade in counterfeit and pirated goods causes harm to an innovation-based economy by threatening the competitiveness of businesses and the livelihoods of workers,” CBP Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said. “Another record-breaking year of IPR seizures highlights the vigilance of CBP and ICE personnel in preventing counterfeit goods from entering our stream of commerce and their dedication to protecting the American people.”

Cooperation between these CBP and ICE led to 457 arrests in FY2017. ICE pursued and obtained 288 indictments with 242 convictions related to intellectual property crimes.

Approximately 90 percent of the FY2017 seizures were in the express carrier and international mail environments. Approximately 12 percent of total seizures were counterfeit merchandise related to health, safety, and security.

Apparel and accessories remained the most common IPR seizure in the merchandise category, accounting for approximately 15 percent of all IPR seizures.

The People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong were the top two sources of goods seized for IPR violations. Approximately 48 percent of the seized shipments came from, while approximately 39 percent came from Hong Kong.