Mexico Seizes Over $2.8 Million in Counterfeit Adidas Apparel

Mexican authorities, acting on a request from Adidas AG, have successfully intercepted a significant shipment of counterfeit sports apparel at the Lázaro Cárdenas customs in Michoacán. The operation, a joint effort between the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) and the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM), resulted in the seizure of 28,800 items, including footwear, jerseys, and caps.

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As a result of this action, IMPI personnel in coordination with the National Customs Agency of Mexico, seized 96 packages containing a total of 28,800 pieces, with an estimated value of 2 million 880 thousand, which will remain under resguardo while their legal situation is determined.

The estimated value of the seized goods surpasses 2.8 million pesos. This action was initiated due to potential infringement of brand rights, specifically targeting a shipment from the Asian company Janjo Shipping. The timing of the operation, shortly before the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlights the ongoing global issue of counterfeit goods, particularly in the sports merchandise sector.

IMPI Director General Vidal Llerenas stated that this seizure is a component of "Operation Clean," a broader strategy launched by the Secretariat of Economy and IMPI to safeguard industrial property rights. The initiative aims to prevent the introduction, distribution, and sale of products that violate registered trademarks and negatively impact the national economy. IMPI reiterated its commitment to collaborating with intellectual property rights holders and relevant authorities to foster respect for industrial property and promote legality in trade.

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This action is part of the 'Operation Clean' strategy that began this term and is led by the Secretariat of Economy and IMPI to protect industrial property rights.

The confiscated merchandise, comprising 96 packages, will remain under official custody pending a final legal determination of its status. This operation underscores Mexico's efforts to combat piracy and protect both consumers and legitimate businesses from illicit commercial practices within its borders.

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We seek to prevent the introduction, distribution, and commercialization of products that allegedly infringe registered trademarks and affect the national economy.