U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, along with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department investigators, and Gibson representatives have seized over 3,000 counterfeit Gibson guitars at the LA/Long Beach Seaport. The fake instruments had an estimated manufacturer's suggested retail price of $18,742,820 if they were genuine.
The operation intercepted cargo arriving in ocean containers from Asia. CBP's Consumer Products and Mass Merchandising Center of Excellence assisted in estimating the MSRP of the shipment. Gibson confirmed that these guitars were counterfeit as authentic Gibson guitars are exclusively made in the USA.
“These fraudulent guitars may look and feel legitimate for unsuspecting consumers buying them from third-party online sources, street markets, unauthorized retailers, and person-to-person transactions,” said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles.
“Intellectual property theft is not a victimless crime," said HSI Los Angeles Deputy Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. "Victims are American consumers, businesses, trademark holders and people who manufacture and sell legitimate products."
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant William Kitchin highlighted that “counterfeit products harm legitimate businesses" and "damage the reputation of iconic brands like Gibson."
Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson added appreciation for law enforcement efforts: “Our partnership is designed to help every agency work together to protect consumers and our fans from being misled into counterfeits.”
Beth Heidt, Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson expressed emotional sentiments about protecting their legacy: “This is really emotional and personal for us... because of our Gibson team at large.”
Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director of the LA/Long Beach seaport noted that “counterfeit goods fund criminal enterprises” engaged in various illegal activities.
To combat such threats to intellectual property rights (IPR), CBP has developed a proactive enforcement approach nationwide. In Fiscal Year 2023 alone, CBP seized nearly 23 million counterfeit goods worth over $2.7 billion USD.
Consumers can learn more about risks associated with purchasing counterfeit goods on CBP's Fake Goods Real Dangers website or StopFakes.gov.
Suspected IPR violations can be reported through various channels including the e-Allegations Online Trade Violations Reporting System or by contacting the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains America's frontline law enforcement organization dedicated to securing borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
