Protecting Footwear IP Globally
FDRA proactively surveys the global footwear counterfeit landscape and advises the U.S. Government on key countries and issues of concern.
- Counterfeit knockoff footwear threatens U.S. jobs and puts American consumers at risk.
- Counterfeit footwear accounts for 12% of all U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) seizures, the 4th biggest product category.
- Nearly 1.8 million small packages enter the U.S. every single day through international mail. Over 90% of all IP seizures take place here.
- CBP seized more than $1.5 billion worth of counterfeit goods in 2019 alone.
12% of all counterfeit goods seized are footwear. The most common counterfeit brands are Nike, Adidas, Louboutin, and UGG.
FDRA Voices Concerns Over Global IP Protection Challenges to US Government
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) releases an annual global intellectual property report, known as the Special 301 Review. This key report breaks down the state of IP protection by country and serves as an important tool for U.S. engagement with our trading partners on specific IP issues.
FDRA testifies each year on behalf of the footwear industry to provide input to USTR on global footwear IP challenges. During the 2020 Special 301 hearing, FDRA highlighted shortfalls in foreign markets, the surge of counterfeit footwear sold on e-commerce platforms, and the need to grant CBP authority to seize goods based on design patent infringement. FDRA also discussed the IP provisions of the recent U.S-China trade agreement.
Key IP Insights from Industry Leaders
Latest IP News
- How $470 million worth of fake Nikes get into the US
- Counterfeit Goods: A Danger to Public Safety
- An inside look at how Customs & Border Protection cracks down on counterfeit items
- Authorities Bust $472 million USD Counterfeit Sneaker Ring
- More than $2 million worth of fake Nikes seized in Los Angeles-area port
Shoe-In Show Episodes
FDRA’s Efforts to Stop Fakes in Focus
Matt, Andy and Thomas discuss the latest initiatives under development in DC to combat the prevalence of counterfeit products on e-commerce platforms. There is a lot of momentum in this area so you don’t want to miss this conversation! Listen Now
Global Design Innovation and How to Protect It with NIKE
Matt catches up with NIKE’s Chief IP Officer, Margo Fowler, and Mark Smith, NIKE’s VP of Innovation and Special Projects, to discuss the importance of protecting IP and strategies brands can adopt to successfully defend their trademarks, designs, patents, and IP. Listen Now
Knock it off! Insights and tips to protect your brand from shoe counterfeit to eComm scammers!
Our good friend Bill Snowden flips the script and interviews us! We talk about the challenges of knockoffs to scammers and hackers in an eComm world and get some great insights into new tech tools Verisk is using to help their clients and can help you too! Listen Now
Giving CBP Tools to Close the Current Enforcement Loophole: Hot Policy Item
The footwear industry relies on American and global customs agencies’ ability to stop and seize the movement of counterfeit shoes. Important loopholes need to be closed that enhance the tools available to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) here in the United States.
World Intellectual Property Day 2019
April 30, 2019
The Role of Intellectual Property in Sports and Public Safety. Watch Here
Design Patent Infringement Bill (S.2987—Counterfeit Goods Seizure Act of 2019 Tillis/Coons): gives Customs authority to seize goods based on design patent infringement—purpose is to prevent counterfeiters from shipping labels and tags separately and attaching them in the U.S. to avoid CBP seizure.
- Make Your Voice Heard! Stop Footwear Fakes
Stopping the prevalence of counterfeit and knockoff footwear is a priority for FDRA and our members. Ensuring Congress prioritizes efforts to strengthen IP protections, increase accountability for bad actors, and close CBP enforcement gaps and loopholes is vitally important for the health of our industry.
Need More Information? Contact Us
FDRA brings clarity and insights that enhance decision making, efficiency, and productivity for footwear professionals. We develop essential products and find innovative solutions to boost the bottom line for our members across the industry — from footwear design to retail. We fight to support footwear jobs and shoe consumers in Washington, DC and around the globe — FDRA is the only footwear association working to eliminate ALL footwear duties.
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