Florida-based websites seized for selling trademark-infringing auto parts
DETROIT — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit announced Thursday the seizure of two Florida-based websites allegedly selling trademark-infringing automotive parts.
"Seizing these websites that allegedly sell trademark-infringing auto parts helps to stem the flow of faulty products being introduced into the economy," said Marlon Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Detroit. "Homeland Security Investigations will continue to aggressively target and dismantle operations that blatantly disregard intellectual property rights."
The seizures follow an investigation and several undercover buys from the websites. Late last year, HSI special agents bought multiple brand-infringing auto parts from the online retailers and subsequently confirmed with trademark holders that the items were fraudulent. The websites listed dozens of different automotive parts available for sale, including several after-market and custom parts bearing Chrysler trademarks including: radiator covers, power steering covers, and valve covers.
The shuttered websites are:
- Billettechnology.com
- Custombilletstore.com
The HSI-led National IPR Center is one of the U.S. Government's key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting and piracy. Working in close coordination with the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property, the National IPR Center uses the expertise of its 23-member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate enforcement actions and conduct investigations related to intellectual property theft. Through this strategic interagency partnership, the National IPR Center protects the public's health and safety and the U.S. economy.
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