U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, working alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) investigators, and Gibson officials, have seized over 3,000 counterfeit Gibson guitars at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport. If genuine, the guitars would have carried a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of over $18.7 million.
The counterfeit instruments, intercepted in ocean containers originating from Asia, were confirmed as fake by Gibson. These guitars falsely mimicked the craftsmanship of Gibson instruments, which are exclusively handcrafted in the United States.
“This seizure is a win for consumers and a reminder of the risks of counterfeit products,” said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “With the holiday season approaching, consumers should remain vigilant when buying products, especially from unauthorized sources.”
Protecting Legacy and Consumers
Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson, emphasized the company’s commitment to protecting both its fans and its brand. “Today’s seizure is a testament to the collaboration between Gibson, CBP, HSI, and LASD to protect consumers from counterfeits,” Gueikian said. He urged buyers to purchase Gibson guitars exclusively through authorized dealers or Gibson’s official website to ensure authenticity and quality.
Beth Heidt, Gibson’s Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the emotional resonance of this issue for the company. “This isn’t just about protecting players; it’s about honoring the artisans and generations of families in Nashville, TN, and Bozeman, MT, who dedicate their lives to crafting authentic Gibson guitars.”
Broader Impact of Counterfeit Goods
Counterfeit goods pose risks beyond economic losses. They erode consumer trust, harm legitimate businesses, and often fund criminal enterprises, including smuggling and forced labor. “Counterfeiters are only interested in profit, disregarding the safety of consumers and the integrity of our economy,” said Africa R. Bell, CBP Port Director at the LA/Long Beach seaport.
In Fiscal Year 2023, CBP seized nearly 23 million counterfeit goods nationwide, with a total MSRP of over $2.7 billion. Seizures originating from China and Hong Kong represented 46% of all counterfeit goods and accounted for 84% of their estimated value.
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More counterfeit guitars seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Reporting Counterfeit Activity
Consumers and rights holders are encouraged to stay informed about the dangers of counterfeit products. Suspected violations can be reported to CBP through its e-Allegations Online Trade Violations Reporting System or by contacting the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.
For more resources, visit CBP’s Fake Goods, Real Dangers website or StopFakes.gov.