LKQ Corp. Sues Over Blocked Imports of Vehicle Grilles (1)

Automotive parts retailer LKQ Corp. is challenging Customs and Border Protection’s decision to block its imports of replacement vehicle grilles.

Customs blocked the imports under the Lanham Act, which authorizes the agency to exclude from entry into the U.S. goods which copy or simulate registered trademarks. Customs mistakenly concluded that LKQ’s repair grilles were counterfeit, LKQ argues in its complaint to the U.S. Court of International Trade.

Automakers FCA US LLC and Ford Motor Co. have obtained trademarks on the shape of some of their grilles, LKQ said. Customs therefore concluded that LKQ’s grilles are counterfeit.

“Unlike most counterfeit products ...