Local and federal authorities at the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport seized over 3,000 counterfeit Gibson electric guitars, marking the largest counterfeit musical instrument seizure on record. The guitars, with a potential value of over $18.7 million, were intercepted in ocean containers from Asia. Gibson confirmed that the guitars were indeed counterfeit and emphasized that authentic Gibson guitars are only made in the United States.
Counterfeit goods continue to be a growing issue, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizing nearly 23 million counterfeit goods during the 2023 fiscal year, with a total manufacturer’s suggested retail price exceeding $2.7 billion. China and Hong Kong were the main sources of the seized counterfeit goods.
Consumers are urged to be cautious when purchasing products from third-party online sources, street markets, unauthorized retailers, and person-to-person transactions. Counterfeit goods can pose health and safety risks, as they are often made with inferior materials and in unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the sale of counterfeit goods can harm legitimate businesses and contribute to funding illegal activities.
Gibson, a well-known guitar brand, produces electric guitars in Tennessee and acoustic guitars in Montana. The company sells over 170,000 guitars annually in more than 80 countries, with prices ranging from thousands to over $6,000. Gibson’s chief marketing officer provided tips on how to identify fake guitars, such as incorrect logo placement or inferior craftsmanship. Authorities stressed the importance of being vigilant and purchasing products from reputable sources to avoid falling victim to counterfeit goods.
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