BOC seizes PHP16B worth of fake luxury goods

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized over PHP16 billion worth of fake luxury goods during an operation in several warehouses in Divisoria, Manila on May 23.

Over 1.727 million pieces of counterfeit products bearing unauthorized trademarks from brands such as Guess, Michael Kors, Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Tory Burch were confiscated, with a significant portion being unauthorized reproductions of the Guess brand.

Legal counsel for Guess Philippines commended the collaboration between his brand and the BOC's Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service - Intellectual Property Rights Division (CIIS-IPRD) in tracking down counterfeiters.

Kristian Nico Acosta warned the public about health and safety risks associated with counterfeit products and their detrimental impact on legitimate businesses, while emphasizing the importance of proactive monitoring or taking down infringing online posts.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized the agency's commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring a fair market environment, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to eliminate illegal trade and protect Filipino consumers.