CBP Seized OnePlus Buds as ‘Counterfeit’ AirPods. Now It's Doubling Down - WIRED

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The merchandise was genuine: They were OnePlus Buds, and clearly labeled as such.

OnePlus Buds certainly look similar to Apple’s ubiquitous cotton swab ear-hangers, but cheaper devices seemingly inspired by Cupertino’s designs are every bit as endemic to the tech industry as Haus deliveries and frightfully inflated valuations.

They’re just looking at whether the product configuration itself looks like the product configuration that is registered as a trademark.”.

McKenna says the fact that OnePlus Buds are listed at a little over half the cost of AirPods may have registered as another strike on the CBP’s limited checklist.

What the CBP seizure does not mean, though, is that OnePlus Buds are suddenly verboten in the US?

Which is where the clear branding comes into play; someone would have to think they were buying an Apple product even though OnePlus is on the box.

CBP will detain the OnePlus Buds for up to 30 days.

For CBP to take dramatic action against an established company like OnePlus is an unusual step.