Copyrighting products' packaging is important in protecting a brand from foreign pretenders

摘要

In the first half of 2007, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials seized more than $110 million in counterfeit merchandise. Counterfeiters know that packaging is a critical part of establishing brand identity, and they often copy the packaging as well as the product. Customs has several powers that allow it to assist U.S. companies in protecting their brands. With respect to packaging, the relevant rights are trademarks, copyrights and patents. A trademark is any symbol, word or other device that indicates to the consumer the origin of a product.