Cuban Merch Illegal?

[Footbag]

I've had this thought about certain Cuban merchandise after being gifted a Cohiba T-shirt from Cuba.

We've all seen Cuban brand merchandise being sold in our local B&M's. Cohiba ashtrays, etc... We'll I'm assuming they're not from Cuba, given the embargo. But the alternative choice would be a copyright violation. A similar violation to manufacturing a knock-off Louis Vuitton purse. In other words, it's likely that all Cuban merch is illegal regardless of where it's produced.

Don't worry, I'm not going to turn you in. Just the way my crazy mind works. Given the fact that even Wal-Mart occasionally finds itself with some Cuban goods, I wonder how many of the domestic ashtrays are actually "embargo ashtrays". What are your thoughts?

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Footbag

I've had this thought about certain Cuban merchandise after being gifted a Cohiba T-shirt from Cuba.

We've all seen Cuban brand merchandise being sold in our local B&M's. Cohiba ashtrays, etc... We'll I'm assuming they're not from Cuba, given the embargo. But the alternative choice would be a copyright violation. A similar violation to manufacturing a knock-off Louis Vuitton purse. In other words, it's likely that all Cuban merch is illegal regardless of where it's produced.

Don't worry, I'm not going to turn you in. Just the way my crazy mind works. Given the fact that even Wal-Mart occasionally finds itself with some Cuban goods, I wonder how many of the domestic ashtrays are actually "embargo ashtrays". What are your thoughts?

My thought, and this is by no means an expert opinion, is that if the shirt, ashtray etc. is manufactured in, let's say, China, then there is no violation of the embargo.

Just my interpretation. I could be dead wrong.

[Footbag]

Originally Posted by pnoon

My thought, and this is by no means an expert opinion, is that if the shirt, ashtray etc. is manufactured in, let's say, China, then there is no violation of the embargo.

Just my interpretation. I could be dead wrong.

Yes, but what about copyright violation?

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by Footbag

Yes, but what about copyright violation?

I have no clue.

[boonedoggle]

Everytime I've gone overseas (mostly in 3rd world countries) I've seen blackmarket Nike, Reebok, etc clothes...and just about every other popular "Western" merch. I don't think they give a whole lot of merit to copyright, nor Trademark, if they can make a living doing do.

[dinder1]

I have several Habanos ashtrays, but if you look on the bottom of them they say....
Porcelanos
Bidasoa
Spain
Para
Habanos S.A.

So they are actually made in Spain for Habanos S.A. That is legal enough for me.

[N2Advnture]

Originally Posted by pnoon

My thought, and this is by no means an expert opinion, is that if the shirt, ashtray etc. is manufactured in, let's say, China, then there is no violation of the embargo.

Just my interpretation. I could be dead wrong.

True

Originally Posted by Footbag

Yes, but what about copyright violation?

Yes but by the US company that holds the trademark (General Cigar)

[Wharf Rat]

When Castro took over Cuba, they nationalized the cigar industry. Many of the owners fled and started new businesses in Central America. So, the expatriates claim that they continue to own the trademarks. Cuba, of course, thinks they do.

If the embargo gets lifted, it will end up in the courts.