Home NEWS Seized ‘counterfeit’ Apple AirPods were actually OnePlus Buds

Seized ‘counterfeit’ Apple AirPods were actually OnePlus Buds

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(CNN)Like most Apple products, the company’s wireless earbuds, the Apple AirPods, have prompted a number of copycat designs.

US Customs and Border Protection announced that on August 31 it had seized what it said was a shipment of counterfeit Apple AirPods. Based on the photos it shared, the items are actually OnePlus Buds.

The box from the photo CBP shared states that the product is from OnePlus and not Apple, but that didn’t stop CBP from making the seizure.

“Upon examining the shipment in question, a CBP Import Specialist determined that the subject earbuds appeared to violate Apple’s configuration trademark,” a CBP spokesperson told CNN.

    “Apple has configuration trademarks on their brand of earbuds, and has recorded those trademarks with CBP. Based on that determination, CBP Officers at JFK Airport have seized the shipment under 19 USC 1526 (e).

    CBP’s seizure of the earbuds in question is unrelated to the images or language on the box. A company does not have to put an ‘Apple’ wordmark or design on their products to violate these trademarks. The importer will have many opportunities through the adjudication process to provide evidence that their product does not violate the relevant recorded trademarks.”

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    CBP seized 2,000 units at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The shipment originated from Hong Kong and was headed to Nevada, CBP said in a statement.

    “CBP Officers are protecting the American public from various dangers on a daily basis,” said Troy Miller, director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.

    “The interception of these counterfeit earbuds is a direct reflection of the vigilance and commitment to mission success by our CBP Officers daily.”

    CBP said that the items would be valued at $398,000 based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. OnePlus Buds retail for $79, valuing the entire haul of 2,000 units at $158,000.

    OnePlus declined to comment to CNN on the seizure.

      But the company seems to be having some fun with the moment, with its Twitter account responding to CPB by tweeting: “Hey, give those back!”

      OnePlus also tweeted out an image Monday morning of OnePlus Buds along with the caption: “Seize the day. Seize the music. #OnePlusBuds.”

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