Customs and Border Seizure
We help stop counterfeit products at the border and identify issues in supply chains early on.
Trademark Protection at the EU's External Borders
Trademark rights apply not only in retail and online, but also at the EU’s external borders. Border measures are typically directed against goods from third countries and are intended to prevent products that clearly infringe on trademark rights from entering the market in the first place. This provides companies with an early point of intervention: quantities, supply chains, and parties involved can often be identified more quickly than after the goods have already been distributed.
Border measures begin early:
- Suspicious shipments are inspected upon import
- Intellectual property rights may include trademarks, designs, or copyrights
- Photos, samples, and documentation help secure evidence early on
- Supply chains and the parties responsible become visible more quickly
The boundary procedure therefore clarifies:
- Whether an infringement is likely to have occurred
- Whether the goods should be destroyed or further processed
- What deadlines and decisions must be followed
- Whether follow-up measures will be necessary
Key Issues in Border Seizures
What rights apply?
It must be determined which intellectual property rights are affected. In addition to trademarks, designs or copyrights may also be relevant.
Counterfeit or legitimate merchandise?
Not every irregularity is a counterfeit. Parallel imports, genuine products, and authorized use of replacement parts must be classified according to the law.
Distinguishing Features
Customs officials need clear reference points, product images, or typical indicators of counterfeiting in order to reliably identify goods.
Deadlines & Costs
Following a seizure, there are short deadlines for making decisions. At the same time, storage or disposal costs may arise, which must be weighed strategically.
Avoiding Risks
Missed Deadlines
Anyone who fails to respond to notifications from customs in a timely manner risks having the goods released and losing an important opportunity to take action.
Unclear Preparation
A lack of product information or inadequate identification guidelines can result in counterfeits going undetected or innocent goods being affected.
How We Support Border Measures
Preparation
Compilation of intellectual property rights, product documentation, and identifying features.
Application Process
Establishment of border surveillance by the competent authorities.
Examination of a Find
Analysis of photographs or samples and legal classification.
Follow-up Measures
Decisions regarding destruction, issuance of a warning, or legal action.
In this way, customs and border measures become an early component of enforcement, establishing the facts and providing a solid foundation for further steps. Please contact us.
Related to the topic of strategy development
Opposition proceedings
Protection Against Product Piracy and Counterfeiting
Defending Against Cease-and-Desist Letters
Review and Rejection of Unjustified Claims
Here's how we support you
Strategy Review
Review of applicable intellectual property rights and relevant import channels.
Application Preparation
Development of documentation, identification guidelines, and contact structures.
Customs Communication
Coordinating procedures and deadlines with the authorities.
Case-by-Case Assessment
Review of findings and coordination of follow-up actions.
Download PDF
A handy overview of customs and border seizures.
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