Did you know that you can and should record your Intellectual Property such as Trademarks and Copyrights with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using their e-Recordation system? Once you do so, CBP can help prevent the importation and exportation of infringing goods. In fact, you must record your IP with CBP because CBP cannot help you with infringing or counterfeit imports/exports if you don’t! This service is readily available here.
CBP and E-Recordation
CBP’s border enforcement of Trademarks and Copyrights is premised upon recordation using their e-Recordation system.
- CBP monitors shipments to prevent importation and exportation of infringing goods
- CBP’s Intellectual Property Rights InternalSearch (“IPRiS”) database is accessible by CBP Officers at all (328) U.S. Ports of Entry
- CBP Trademark Recordation is effective for the term of, or remaining period of, the underlying registration
- CBP Copyright Recordation is effective for 20 years from the date of approval/issuance
The CBP E-Recordation Process
The filing of this electronic application will begin the administrative recordation process with CBP. A separate application is required for each recordation sought. The recordation fee for Copyrights is $190, while the recordation fee for Trademarks is $190 per International Class of goods. We recommend that you have the following materials and information readily available before you begin the application process:
- S. Patent & Trademark Office Registration Number or the U.S. Copyright Office Registration Number
- Digital images of the protected mark/work in ".jpg," ".gif" or ".pdf" format that accurately depict the right to be protected. Individual image files are limited to 2MB.
- Evidence of a pending application for registration at the U.S. Copyright Office, if recording an unregistered copyright with CBP
- Familiarization with the applicable regulations:
Once your recordation application has been approved, you may view your CBP recordation using the Intellectual Property Rights Search (IPRS) database at: IPRS
Redstone Experts Can Help
When you need to manage your company’s intellectual property, you may be overwhelmed with the process of recording them, while understanding the importance of the protection offered by CBP. Redstone’s team can help you with the application and recordation process, ensuring your intellectual property benefits from all the protection which our government can offer. Contact us for guidance in the E-Recordation process.
Carolyn Turner is an Export/Import Compliance Consultant at Redstone Government Consulting, Inc., specializing in international trade regulations, includingInternational Traffic in Arms Regulations(ITAR) andExport Administration Regulations(EAR) on the export side. She provides guidance on import compliance matters such as customs clearance, classification, free trade agreements, country of origin requirements, duty drawback, and supply chain analysis. Carolyn advises contractors on regulatory compliance and develops policies and procedures to support effective international trade operations.Since 2002, Carolyn has held roles including International Research Analyst, International Trade Specialist, and Assistant Director or Research and Training at the Alabama International Trade Center, where she conducted market analyses, and provided training and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses across all industry sectors. She also has experience in freight forwarding working as the NVO coordinator for both imports and exports. And she has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alabama, developing and teaching online International Business courses.Carolyn is a Licensed U.S. Customs Broker and a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional. She is proficient in Spanish. Her skills include Incoterms, import and export documentation, ITAR/EAR, free trade agreements, compliance program development, and international finance.She holds a B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration and a Master’s in Management with a Global Business Concentration from the University of Alabama. Carolyn serves on the boards of the Japan America Society of Alabama, Destination Hoover International, and BIO Alabama, and is a member of the Export Alabama Alliance.