U.S. Customs agents seize $2.8 million in counterfeit watches at Rochester airport

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Rochester Airport Port of Entry recently seized designer watches worth nearly $3 million because of trademark infringement, the federal agency announced Tuesday.

In July, CBP officers inspected a shipment invoiced as “Used Quartz Wristwatches”. After a “thorough examination of the merchandise, the watches were determined to be counterfeit,” CBP said in a release. On Aug. 15, agents seized the watches for intellectual-property rights (IPR) violations. The watches had a total manufacturer suggested retail price (or MSRP) value of about $2.8 million.

 IPR violations relate to products that infringe upon U.S. trademarks, copyrights, and patents, the CBP said. Other violations can include misclassification of merchandise, false country-of-origin markings, health and safety issues, and valuation issues.

“Our officers continue to do an amazing job targeting shipments and identifying these violations,” Rochester Port Director Ronald Menz said. “CBP plays a vital role in protecting consumers and businesses from imported fraudulent items.”

 The CBP says it encourages those who have information about counterfeit merchandise being illegally imported into the U.S. to submit an e-allegation. That allows the public to anonymously report to CBP any suspected violations of trade laws or regulations related to the importation of goods into the U.S.