Posted in: Collectibles, Toys | Tagged: fake pokemon toys, hot toys, pokemon, pokemon toys, Sideshow Collectibles, US Customs and Border Patrol
Thousands Of Fake Pokémon Toys Valued At $600,000 Seized In PA
Police Gotta Catch all Them Pokémon
"While inspecting international parcels May 4, CBP officers examined a shipment manifested as "plastic furnishing articles" that arrived from Hong Kong. The shipment contained 15 boxes that contained a combined 86,400 Pokémon toy action figures.
Working with the trademark holder, CBP confirmed that the figurines were counterfeit. CBP import specialists appraised the shipment at $603,936. Officers seized the shipment for violating U.S. intellectual property rights. The parcel was destined for an address in Snyder County, Pa. The Pokémon figurines are small and pose a potential choking hazard to your children. Additionally, counterfeit toys tend to be coated in excessive levels of lead paint. No lead testing was conducted on these toys."
This is far from the only toy bust that will be done by customs this year. In fact, on a normal day, they confiscate $4.3 million dollars worth of products that violate IP copyrights. That includes over 27,000 shipments containing counterfeit goods. Not all Pokémon of course, but I am willing to bet that properties like this one are counterfeited the most. High-end stuff like Sideshow Collectibles and Hot Toys as well. Kid's toys are pretty easy to replicate, and it would make sense for this property to be a target. Keep an eye out Pokémon fans.