New functionality helps CBP spot fake goods

New functionality helps CBP spot fake goods    As part of its industry collaboration to crack down on counterfeiters, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said last week it can now accept product identification guides from trademark and copyright holders in electronic form.
   The new capability will allow CBP border inspectors to more quickly identify fake goods and prevent them from entering the United States.
   'I encourage right holders to create their product identification guide electronically, follow CBP's guidelines and send it to us,' said Daniel Baldwin, assistant commissioner for CBP's Office of International Trade, in a statement. 'With an electronic process in place, CBP is now capable of providing the information to CBP field personnel nationwide for immediate use in identifying suspect shipments.'
   Companies had to provide hard copies of product-training guides to CBP ports of entry. The electronic approach makes the guides readily available to all personnel involved in intellectual property rights enforcement.
   For more information, contact CBP at iprpolicyprograms@dhs.gov or visit the agency's Web site.