CBP delivers seized counterfeit goods to Katrina victims
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is emptying its warehouses of seized counterfeit clothes to give to victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Associated Press reported.
The Bush administration and industry have focused on combating counterfeit trade and intellectual property piracy, which the Chamber of Commerce estimates costs U.S. businesses $250 billion per year.
Customs officials released 100,000 items of clothing and sent the initial shipment to the Houston Astrodome in Texas, which is serving as a temporary home for many displaced victims of the storm. The agency has about 1 million knockoff items in its inventory and officials are checking for more toys, dog food, linens and other useful items.
CBP is also considering sending copycat items to shelters in Louisiana and Mississippi.