UPDATE 4:15 p.m. ET: In a remark launched this afternoon, CBP doubled down and mentioned it did not make a mistake. As a substitute, OnePlus violated “Apple’s configuration trademark,” it mentioned.
“Upon inspecting the cargo in query, a CBP Import Specialist decided that the topic earbuds perceived to violate Apple’s configuration trademark. Apple has configuration logos on their emblem of earbuds, and has recorded the ones logos with CBP,” a spokesperson mentioned.
In line with the ones pointing to the phrases “OnePlus Buds” at the field, CBP mentioned its “seizure of the earbuds in query is unrelated to the pictures or language at the field. An organization does no longer have to position an ‘Apple’ wordmark or design on their merchandise to violate those logos.”
CBP mentioned OnePlus “could have many alternatives throughout the adjudication procedure to offer proof that their product does no longer violate the related recorded logos.” OnePlus declined to remark; Apple didn’t in an instant reply to a request for remark.
Authentic Tale:
Past due closing month, US Customs and Border Coverage (CBP) officials seized 2,000 earbuds at John F. Kennedy Global Airport in New York, however the seizure is reasonably embarrassing for CBP.
The company on Sunday proudly tweeted(Opens in a brand new window) that CBP officers confiscated “counterfeit” Apple AirPods on their manner from Hong Kong to Nevada—valued at $398,000 “had they been authentic.” With the exception of, they’re authentic: Authentic OnePlus Buds. Border Coverage’s personal pictures (under), regardless that small and rather pixelated, obviously display OnePlus branding at the red-and-white packaging, in addition to the distinctly formed wearing case.
“Hiya, give the ones again!” OnePlus USA tweeted in reaction(Opens in a brand new window) to CBP’s weekend put up, which sparked a sequence of memes and mocking remarks. It later added “Clutch the day. Clutch the track.”
Beneficial by way of Our Editors
CBP, which boasted in a press free up(Opens in a brand new window) that “the interception of those counterfeit earbuds is a right away mirrored image of the vigilance and dedication to project luck by way of our CBP officials day by day,” didn’t in an instant reply to PCMag’s request for remark.
(Pictures by the use of US Customs and Border Coverage)
Shenzhen-based OnePlus introduced its true wi-fi Buds in July, promising greater than seven hours of constant use (between charging-case best ups) for best $79—considerably not up to Apple’s AirPods, which get started at $159(Opens in a brand new window). There’s no phrase on what led Customs and Border Coverage to impound 2,000 OnePlus Buds (which quantity to $158,000), rather then their common resemblance to Cupertino’s standard headphones.
The biggest federal regulation enforcement company in america Division of Hometown Safety, CBP is tasked with implementing highbrow belongings rights—together with suspected fraud and unlawful industry task. Those “high-risk spaces,” in keeping with the company, could cause important earnings loss, hurt america economic system, or threaten the well being and protection of American other folks. Or, they may be able to result in an excessively public, very embarrassing combine up.
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