Recent reports indicate that most of the old iPhones imported through overseas direct purchases are counterfeit, raising concerns about consumer harm.
On the 14th, the Korea Customs Service revealed that an investigation into 1,116 iPhones arriving from China at the Pyeongtaek Customs Express Logistics Center between March 4th and 25th found that 1,110 units (99.4%) were violating trademark rights.
The demand for old iPhones, especially for photography purposes, is rising among the MZ generation. Counterfeit products are capitalizing on this trend, mostly entering via maritime express cargo.
Notably, the iPhone SE model, which is popular among old iPhone users and was released in April 2016, was found entirely to infringe upon trademark rights. The products detected were assembled by using non-standard parts.
The Korea Customs Service and Pyeongtaek Customs plan to strengthen customs inspections in light of the increasing importation of counterfeit goods through e-commerce and will suspend the clearance of counterfeit goods identified during inspections.
A representative from Pyeongtaek Customs stated, “Products sold cheaper than genuine ones through unauthorized distribution channels are likely to be counterfeit, so consumers need to exercise caution.”
Meanwhile, the recent investigation into intellectual property rights infringement was conducted by A company’s domestic and overseas experts who visited the Pyeongtaek Customs Express Logistics Center for assessments.