US Customs say OnePlus Buds violate Apple AirPods trademark

Following our earlier story on the seizure of 2,000 “counterfeit Apple AirPods”, it would appear that the Border Police aren’t budging.

Speaking to The Verge, they have stated that ..

Upon examining the shipment in question, a CBP import specialist determined that the subject earbuds appeared to violate Apple’s configuration trademark. Apple has configuration trademarks on their brand of earbuds, and has recorded those trademarks with CBP. Based on that determination, CBP officers at JFK Airport have seized the shipment under 19 USC 1526 (e).

So, based on the fact that they look a bit similar, they’ve seized them. This despite the fact that they’re being sold as OnePlus Buds, have a different design, case and box. Well no, US Customs seem to have an excuse for that too..

(The) seizure of the earbuds in question is unrelated to the images or language on the box. A company does not have to put an ‘Apple’ wordmark or design on their products to violate these trademarks.

Apple haven’t raised any complaints over the OnePlus Buds, and we wait to see if US Customs are going to seize further OnePlus Buds.