Qingdao Customs has been fiercely fighting against various intellectual property violations including infringements of foreign brands such as NIKE and ADIDAS since the launch of a special crackdown upon infringement of intellectual property rights (IPRs), according to information released by the authority on March 19.

Since the launch of the special campaign in November last year, Qingdao Customs has carried out 598 measures and detained 13.24 million yuan worth of commodities involving 93 IPR holders in 18 countries (regions). The goods seized were about to export to 35 countries (regions).

Of the 57 brand-infringing cases investigated by Qingdao Customs involving well-known international brands such as NIKE, ADIDAS, PUMA, TOYOTA and PHOENIX, nine were concerning exports to Africa and five have been transferred to public security authorities. Six suspects, including three foreigners, have been caught for manufacturing and distributing fake "NIKE" commodities. Another four suspects have been arrested for infringing trademarks such as TOYOTA, PUMA and CONVERSE.

In the next stage, Qingdao Customs will work together with Shandong provincial authorities for commerce, public security, IPR protection as well as local procuratorates and courts to improve the local information sharing mechanism and reinforce the important role of customs in IPR border protection.

Source:IPR in China