Entry / Entry Summary · CBLE study guide
Intellectual property rights
Recordation, detention and seizure of infringing goods, gray market.
- 47past questions in CBLE Pass
- ≈2questions on a typical 80-question exam
- 19 CFR Part 133where the rules live
Common traps
Wrong answers on past exams cluster around a few beliefs. Here is each one, and what the rule actually says.
Counterfeit-mark detention timelines
“The importer's response window is CBP's 5-day notice deadline or another short period.”
The rule: CBP issues the detention notice within 5 business days of presentation; the importer has 7 business days from the notice to respond before CBP may disclose information to the mark owner; detention lasts up to 30 days.
Remember: CBP 5, importer 7, detention 30.
19 CFR 133.21(b)
Counterfeit civil fine measure
“The fine is capped at the domestic value of the seized goods.”
The rule: Under 19 U.S.C. 1526(f), the fine is up to the MSRP value as if genuine for a first seizure, and up to twice that value for later seizures.
Remember: MSRP if genuine; double it after the first seizure.
19 CFR 133.27
Trademark and trade name recordation contents
“Every party's details or a copyright description is required.”
The rule: Applications list the owner's name, address and citizenship, foreign licensees, related foreign companies using the mark (common ownership is more than 50%), and the goods. A change of ownership needs a time-limit statement, a USPTO status copy and an $80 fee (133.2; 133.5; 133.12).
Remember: Read the section's list.
19 CFR 133.2 · 19 CFR 133.5 · 19 CFR 133.12
Trademark recordation fees
“Fee is per trademark only.”
The rule: $190 per class for each trademark recorded: 2 marks × 2 classes = $760.
Remember: Per class, per mark.
19 CFR 133.3(b)
Lever-rule label vs. counterfeit/simulating marks
“The 'physically and materially different' label releases goods with copying or simulating marks.”
The rule: That label applies to gray-market goods bearing a genuine mark under the Lever rule. Goods with copying or simulating marks are released only by removing/obliterating the mark, recordant consent, recordant's own importation, or the personal exemption.
Remember: Genuine mark = label option; fake/similar mark = remove it.
19 CFR 133.22 · 19 CFR 133.23
Disposition of seized infringing goods
“Counterfeit goods can be released after obliterating the mark.”
The rule: Forfeited goods bearing counterfeit marks are destroyed or, with the owner's consent and obliteration, donated; non-counterfeit infringing goods may be exported or released after obliteration (133.52).
Remember: Counterfeit ≠ release by obliteration.
19 CFR 133.52
Try a past question
October 2026 CBLE, question 63
CBP has notified the importer, in writing, of the detention of merchandise suspected of bearing a counterfeit version of a registered mark. How long is the period within which the importer must respond?
Show the answer and why
A. Incorrect. The response period is 7 business days.
B. Incorrect. Five business days is CBP's deadline to issue the notice.
C. Correct. The importer has 7 business days to respond (19 CFR 133.21(b)(2)).
D. Incorrect. The response period is 7 business days.
19 CFR 133.21(b)(2) · law as of 2026-11-09
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