GREAT MOMENTS AT THE BORDER

US Customs & Border Protection - At a glance they looked legitimate, but for U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and import specialists, a shipment of belt buckles bearing the Michael Jackson image was cause for a closer look. CBP officials examined samples of the belt buckles and determined that they were indistinguishable from various items bearing the Michael Jackson name, words and images registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress. After the importer was unable to provide authorization for the use of the trademarks and the copyrights, CBP officers seized the shipment containing 800 belt buckles. The domestic value of the shipment is $400, with an estimated manufacturer's suggested retail price of $6,992. "Intellectual property rights are key to a vibrant and productive economy, which is why IPR violations are a trade enforcement priority," said Kevin Weeks CBP director of field operation, Los Angeles. . .

US Customs & Border Protection - As a result of an outbound operation at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials seized a 1965 Volkswagen Bus which was reported stolen in Spokane, Wash., more than 35 years ago. On October 19, CBP officers assigned to the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport complex while examining a container scheduled to be exported to the Netherlands discovered the vehicle. . . "This is a unique case that reflects our strategic approach in utilizing the best of intelligence, training and use of information in enforcing laws and regulations at our ports," said Kevin Weeks, CBP director of Field Operations. The 1965 Volkswagen Bus is in pristine condition and still running.