Thousands of counterfeit Gibson electric guitars were seized at the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport, making it the largest counterfeit musical instrument seizure on record. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, along with other law enforcement agencies, intercepted over 3,000 fake Gibson guitars with an estimated value of over $18.7 million. These counterfeits, if sold as authentic, could deceive unsuspecting consumers buying from third-party sources.
The seizure was the result of a multiagency investigation that intercepted the counterfeit cargo arriving in ocean containers from Asia. Gibson confirmed that the guitars were counterfeit and emphasized that authentic Gibson guitars are made in the U.S. The fake guitars were likely destined for the e-commerce market.
Gibson Inc. is a well-known guitar brand founded in 1894 that manufactures guitars played by iconic musicians. The company’s electric guitars are made in U.S. factories, while acoustic guitars are produced in different locations. Gibson’s best-selling guitars cost thousands of dollars, but prices can vary widely.
Authorities provide tips on how to spot a fake guitar, such as logo placement and incorrect inlays. Counterfeit goods seized by CBP during the 2023 fiscal year totaled nearly 23 million items, with a retail value of over $2.7 billion. Counterfeit goods are often made using inferior and unsafe materials, posing risks to consumers and damaging legitimate businesses.
Federal authorities warn that counterfeiting supports illegal activities, and victims include American consumers, legitimate businesses, and trademark holders. Counterfeit goods undermine consumer trust and infringe on intellectual property rights.
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