Case 1: Shenzhen Customs Introduces Technical Investigators in Patent Infringement Case Involving Photovoltaic Equipment

In September 2024, a Shenzhen-based new energy equipment company discovered a batch of photovoltaic manufacturing equipment suspected of infringing its patent for a “lateral up-and-down boat loading device” was about to be exported, with a value of RMB 10.79 million. The company applied to Shenzhen Customs for IP protection. Upon review, Shenzhen Customs immediately launched the protection process, placed the goods under control, and suspended customs clearance. Given the complexity of the patent’s technical features, high public attention, and significant dispute between the parties over the facts, Dapeng Customs, under Shenzhen Customs, contacted the China (Shenzhen) IP Protection Center and innovatively brought in a technical investigator to assist enforcement.

With professional support, customs officers accurately identified inspection targets, developed a scientific field inspection plan, and rigorously carried out evidence collection and detention procedures. This approach protected the rights holder’s legitimate interests while minimizing the risk of cargo damage or delayed delivery. The rights holder has since filed a lawsuit using the evidence obtained by customs.

This is the first successful case nationwide of using a technical investigator in customs patent protection. The investigator used patent claims and descriptions to help customs identify structural components relevant to the patented technology. The process safeguarded both the rights holder’s inspection rights and the exporter’s interests, showcasing the value of technical investigators in customs IP protection and offering a valuable model for future enforcement.

Case 2: Shanghai Customs Cracks Down on Infringing “New Three” Foreign Trade Products

In March 2024, Waigaoqiao Customs under Shanghai Customs discovered 737 unbranded solar panels during inspection, suspected of infringing the “SUNTECH and graphic” trademark, with a value of RMB 243,800. Further investigations uncovered 2,480 more solar modules suspected of infringing the “JINKO” trademark, valued at RMB 1.09 million. After rights holders confirmed the infringement, the goods were detained and subject to confiscation and fines.

In June, Yangshan Customs, under Shanghai Customs, intercepted four batches of exported solar modules based on rights holders’ applications. A total of 13,730 panels were seized, valued at RMB 6.28 million.

These cases involve the "New Three" export drivers—new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products—highlighting a shift from “Made in China” to “Created in China.” Customs targeted well-known brands and clear infringement patterns, using coordinated mechanisms to enforce both trademark and patent rights, safeguarding brand reputation and innovation.

Case 3: Hangzhou Customs Activates Rapid Response Mechanism to Seize Infringing Drill Bits

In July 2024, Yiwu Customs, under Hangzhou Customs, discovered 590,600 drill bits bearing the “SKF and graphic” trademark and 59,300 bearing “DORMER,” with high volume and value. Customs immediately activated a major case rapid response mechanism. Rights holders confirmed the infringement, and customs detained the goods.

Customs officers noted the submitted purchase records listed only RMB 80,000, far below market value, indicating it was likely just a deposit. They quickly secured key documents and assisted police with infringement assessments and pricing analysis. In October 2024, police officially launched a criminal investigation. The drill bits were valued at RMB 955,700, and criminal measures have been taken against suspects.

This case exemplifies how customs and public security agencies can collaborate to combat IP crimes through early detection and coordinated law enforcement.

Case 4: Xiamen Customs Builds Entry-Point Barrier to Block Infringing Seasoning Products

In April 2024, Quanzhou Customs, under Xiamen Customs, inspected a batch of exported seasoning products, finding 139,100 bags bearing “KNORR” and “AJINOMOTO” trademarks. Rights holders confirmed infringement. Customs detained and confiscated the goods and imposed fines.

Focusing on high-risk “entry” goods, Xiamen Customs formed an expert group for risk assessment, analyzing shipping data and identifying high-risk routes. In June and November, they uncovered two more batches—213,600 bags—of infringing chicken seasoning using “AJINOMOTO” and “Maggi” marks.

The series highlights customs’ strict enforcement to ensure food safety and protect public health, preventing infringing products from entering the international market and maintaining China’s reputation.

Case 5: Beijing and Other Customs Support Cultural IP Export with Integrated Protection

In December 2024, Beijing Customs provided targeted support to Pop Mart, analyzing regional infringement trends affecting cultural creative companies and facilitating cross-regional information sharing. That same month, customs agencies across China seized 9 batches (140,000 items) of cultural products suspected of infringing the “Labubu” copyright, valued at RMB 170,000.

Since July 2024, the General Administration of Customs has promoted a collaborative mechanism for IP protection. As Pop Mart’s cultural IP gains global traction, especially in Southeast Asia, customs has encouraged IP filing and coordinated enforcement. This case shows the effectiveness of cross-regional collaboration in supporting creative industries and safeguarding IP overseas.

Case 6: Guangzhou Customs Seizes Imported Infringing Sports Goods

With major international sports events in 2024, risks of infringement surged. In January, Nansha Customs seized 13,000 footballs bearing “MOLTEN,” “ERREA,” and “KIPSTA” trademarks, worth RMB 415,000. In July, Panyu Customs found 3,079 more infringing “MOLTEN” footballs worth RMB 101,000 from the same source country. Customs detained and fined the goods.

As some labor-intensive manufacturing shifts overseas, the role of IP protection in imports becomes crucial. Guangzhou Customs focused on identifying infringement trends through manifest analysis and logistics tracking, effectively blocking infringing goods from entering China and supporting the sports industry’s healthy growth.

Case 7: Huangpu and Other Customs Coordinate to Seize Transshipped Infringing Shoes

In November 2024, Huangpu Customs received a report about infringing sports shoes being exported. Using advanced data tracking, they monitored the container's sea route. After discovering it had left port for Hong Kong, Huangpu coordinated with Hong Kong Customs for interception. It was later redirected to Shenzhen, where Shenzhen Customs seized over 13,000 infringing shoes bearing the “TIMBERLAND” trademark, worth RMB 235,800.

This case illustrates the success of cross-border customs cooperation under the Greater Bay Area integration initiative. Rapid information sharing and coordinated enforcement effectively disrupted the transshipment of counterfeit goods.

Case 8: Qingdao and Ningbo Customs Seize Infringing Goods Exported to African Countries

In October 2024, Huangdao Customs in Qingdao seized two batches of infringing refrigerators bearing the “” trademark, destined for Libya, worth RMB 204,600. The case was handed over to police under the “criminal-administrative coordination” mechanism.

In the same month, Beilun Customs in Ningbo found 1.19 million welding rods bound for Ghana with an infringing logo, valued at RMB 178,500. Customs detained the goods and transferred the case to police.

Following the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and the launch of a customs IP protection campaign for Africa, these cases demonstrate how enforcement efforts help preserve China's reputation and align with national IP strategies in diplomatic and trade initiatives.