United States Counterfeits Legal Resources

Here are some of the major statutes that apply in the world of counterfeits.

Criminal Statutes

§ 2318. Trafficking in counterfeit labels, illicit labels, or counterfeit documentation or packaging

§ 2319. Criminal infringement of a copyright

§ 2319A. Unauthorized fixation of and trafficking in sound recordings and music videos of live musical performances

§ 2319B. Unauthorized recording of Motion pictures in a Motion picture exhibition facility

§ 2320. Trafficking in counterfeit goods or services

§ 2323. Forfeiture, destruction, and restitution

Civil Statutes

Lanham Act, Title 15 U.S.C.

§ 1111. Notice of registration; display with mark; recovery of profits and damages in infringement suit

§ 1114. Remedies; infringement; innocent infringement by printers and publishers

§ 1115. Registration on principal register as evidence of exclusive right to use mark; defenses

§ 1116. Injunctive relief

§ 1117. Recovery for violation of rights

§ 1118. Destruction of infringing articles

§ 1124. Importation of goods bearing infringing marks or names forbidden

§ 1125. False designations of origin, false descriptions, and dilution forbidden

§ 1127. Construction and definitions; intent of chapter

Federal Regulations

Federal Regulations—Other Protection for Trademarks

19 C.F.R.

Section 133.21 – Articles bearing counterfeit trademarks

Section 133.22 – Restrictions on importation of articles bearing copying or simulating trademarks

Section 133.23 – Restrictions on importation of gray market articles

Section 133.24 – Restrictions on articles accompanying importer and mail importations

Section 133.25 – Procedure on detention of articles subject to restriction

Section 133.26 – Demand for redelivery of released merchandise

Section 133.27 – Civil fines for those involved in the importation of merchandise bearing a counterfeit mark

OTHER STATUTES

Other potentially applicable statutes

Title 18, U.S.C. §1961 et. seq. – RICO

Title 18, U.S.C. §371 – Criminal Conspiracy

Title 18, U.S.C. §1956; §1957 – Money Laundering

Title 18, U.S.C. §1341 – Mail Fraud

Title 18, U.S.C. §1343 – Wire Fraud

Title 18, U.S.C. §542 – Entry of Goods by Means of False Statements

Title 18, U.S.C. §545 – Smuggling Goods into the United States

CUSTOMS DIRECTIVES

Customs Directives Related to Intellectual Property Protection

C.D. 2310-008A – Trademark and Tradename Protection (04/07/2000)

C.D. 2310-010A – Detention and Seizure Authority for Copyright and Trademark Violations (12/11/2000)

C.D. 2310-011A – Personal Use Exemption: Unauthorized Trademarks

OTHER RESOURCES

U.S. Attorneys' Manual

DOJ Prosecuting Intellectual Property Crimes Manual

DOJ Prosecuting Computer Crimes Manual