It has recently been confirmed that most used iPhones imported through overseas direct purchases are counterfeit products, raising concerns about potential consumer harm.
On May 14, the Korea Customs Service announced that it had investigated 1,116 iPhones shipped from China and imported through the Pyeongtaek Customs Express Cargo Logistics Center between March 4 and March 25. As a result, 1,110 units (99.4%) were found to infringe trademark rights.
Used iPhones have recently gained popularity, especially among the MZ generation. Demand for older iPhones for photography purposes has been increasing. Counterfeit products are taking advantage of this trend and are mainly imported as express maritime cargo.
In particular, the iPhone SE model (released in April 2016), which is the most popular among used iPhone buyers, was found to have all units infringing trademark rights. The seized products were completed by reassembling iPhones using non-standard parts.
Considering the increasing number of counterfeit products imported through e-commerce, the Korea Customs Service and Pyeongtaek Customs plan to strengthen customs inspections. They also intend to suspend customs clearance for counterfeit products detected during inspections by exercising their authority.
An official from Pyeongtaek Customs said, "Products sold at lower prices than genuine items through distribution channels other than official online stores are highly likely to be counterfeit, so consumers should exercise special caution."
Meanwhile, the recent investigation into intellectual property rights infringement was conducted by experts from Company A, both domestic and overseas, who visited the Pyeongtaek Customs Express Cargo Logistics Center in person for appraisal.
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