CUSTOMS PROPOSE TRADEMARK DISCLOSURE ON INVOICES
U.S. Customs has proposed a new rule to require that trademarks appearring
on goods and packages be listed on commercial invoices.
By having this information, along with product description, exporter and
importer names, and country of origin, Customs says it can do a better job of targeting
shipments with counterfeit trademarks that violate U.S. intellectual property laws.
Counterfeit products cost American businesses about $200 billion each year
worldwide. Congress passed the Anticounterfeiting Consumer Protection Act in 1996 to try
to stem losses.
Some customs brokers question the value of the information, especially when
many imports are processed electronically by Customs without invoices being submitted.
Customs will take comments from the industry regarding the proposed rule
until Nov. 12.