Re: Mamiya Cameras, a bit OT

["Karl and Anita Shah-Jenner" <shahjen@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Joseph writes:

>         Customs officials are far too busy tracking down illegal drugs,
>arms, etc, etc, to worry about the serial number on a camera.  I suspect
>this story is a bit of aurban legend, encouraged by soem people.
>         Even if it was true, you sinply point out you were overseas, your
>camera went into the ocean during a storm/accident, or it was ripped off
>out of your hotel room, etc, etc - any reasonable story, and you needed a
>new one right away to finish the job, so you bought one locally.  End of
story.


I thought I was dreaming too when I saw it, but here's the link:

http://mamiya.com/Section1/Sitemap/Disclaimer/disclaim.htm

and here's a clipped quote from the page..

""TRADEMARKS AND GRAY MARKET WARNING NOTICE

Under Section 526 (a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, the importation of any
foreign-origin merchandise bearing the MAMIYA or SEKONIC trademarks, without
the written consent of Mamiya America Corporation, is unlawful and
prohibited. Unauthorized importations are subject to seizure and forfeiture
by the United States Customs Service.

Mamiya America Corporation has directed Customs to enforce these trademarks
aggressively, and to prohibit the importations of "gray-market" merchandise.
Mamiya America Corporation will also pursue all of its available remedies
for injunctive relief and damages against any persons who import,
distribute, sell or otherwise deal in gray market merchandise bearing these
marks. """


I only posted my original bit out of concern - I suspect though you're right
and although Mamiya distributors would rather people didn't import, I can't
see customs officers "enforcing this aggessively", but it pays to be aware
of the law ... they DO after all use the term "any person"

All the best

Karl



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