Customs seizure of IPR-infringing sneakers

In Shanghai Customs District, over 10,000 pairs of export sneakers were intercepted by Yangshan Customs House on November 23 for IPR infringement on “Nike Swoosh pattern” trademark, with cargo value about 500,000 yuan.

The export was declared as “unbranded casual shoes” to Yangshan Customs House. Through out-of-box inspection, customs officers found in the container that a small number of unbranded casual shoes were piled in front of those sneakers printed with “Nike Swoosh pattern” that was suspected of IPR infringement. Therefore, the Customs House contacted the trademark owner, NIKE INNOVATE C.V., who then confirmed the counterfeit and asked for IPR enforcement. By now, this case is under further investigation by the Customs.

Since this year, Shanghai Customs has been engaged in the “Soaring Dragon 2020” campaign for IPR protection, cracking down on IPR infringement in imports and exports, to keep improving port business climate.