Over 3,000 Fake Gibson Guitars Seized At Los Angeles Seaport In Record-Breaking Operation

Over 3,000 fake Gibson guitars were seized at the Port of Los Angeles in a record-breaking operation. These counterfeits, worth $18.7 million, were destined for online markets.

The shipment, originating from Asia, included replicas of Gibson's iconic models like the Les Paul. But their poor construction revealed the truth.

Gibson confirmed the guitars were counterfeit, emphasizing that only U.S.-made instruments are authentic.

CBP officers found the fake guitars hidden in cargo containers, bound for warehouses to be sold online.

This seizure is part of a larger crackdown to protect consumers and businesses from intellectual property theft.

Gibson’s CMO thanked law enforcement for safeguarding their brand, ensuring musicians get the quality they deserve.

Counterfeiting isn’t limited to guitars. CBP seized $2.7 billion worth of fake goods in 2024, many from China and Hong Kong.