USPTO Launches Patent Search Tool for Ecommerce Sellers

USPTO Launches Patent Search Tool for Ecommerce Sellers

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has upgraded its public patent search tool, which can be utilized by cross-border e-commerce sellers to search for design patents and mitigate infringement risks. This article provides a detailed introduction to the new tool's features, methods for searching design patents, and the U.S. design patent application process. It aims to help sellers achieve compliant operations in the U.S. market by leveraging this resource to proactively avoid potential intellectual property issues related to design patents.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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US Tariffs Strain Chinese Ecommerce Sellers

US Tariffs Strain Chinese Ecommerce Sellers

The US ending its de minimis exemption for small parcels from China impacts 1.36 billion packages, hitting cross-border e-commerce sellers hard. American consumers face higher prices, and retailers are forced to suspend shipments. Platforms like Temu are adjusting strategies, focusing on localized operations. Cross-border e-commerce businesses need to diversify, improve product quality, and optimize supply chains to navigate these challenges and survive. This policy shift necessitates a strategic overhaul for businesses reliant on direct-to-consumer exports to the US.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ebay France Abandons Black Friday for Circular Economy Push

Ebay France Abandons Black Friday for Circular Economy Push

eBay France is abandoning 'Black Friday' promotions to focus on the secondhand market and circular economy, responding to market competition and embracing sustainability. By promoting refurbished products, spare parts sales, and providing seller training, eBay aims to reshape growth and create new opportunities for sellers. This strategic shift highlights eBay's commitment to a more sustainable business model and its recognition of the growing demand for pre-owned goods. The initiative seeks to position eBay as a leader in the circular economy within the French e-commerce landscape.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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South America Shipping Routes Face Persistent Delays

South America Shipping Routes Face Persistent Delays

Slow transit times for ocean freight on South America routes are due to a combination of factors. These include long geographical distances, multiple transshipment points, low port efficiency, conservative capacity allocation, and geopolitical risks. The unique characteristics of the South America route result in significantly longer transit times compared to routes to North America and Europe. This poses a major challenge to international trade efficiency. Addressing these factors is crucial for improving logistics performance and facilitating smoother trade flows to and from South America.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Comoros Enhances Trade Via WTO Customs Training

Comoros Enhances Trade Via WTO Customs Training

The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) jointly held a workshop to provide technical assistance on customs valuation to Comoros, which is seeking to join the WTO, helping it fulfill its accession obligations. The workshop focused on the WTO's Valuation Agreement, covering valuation methods, appeal procedures, pre-shipment inspection, and trade facilitation. The aim was to enhance Comoros' trade competitiveness and build an efficient and transparent trade environment. The training is crucial for Comoros to align its customs practices with international standards.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Port of Los Angeles Faces Seven Major 247 Operational Challenges

Port of Los Angeles Faces Seven Major 247 Operational Challenges

The Port of Los Angeles aims to achieve 24/7 operations, facing numerous challenges including private sector engagement, optimizing the 'push system,' exploring interim solutions, maximizing existing resources, enabling off-peak operations, adjusting warehouse operations, securing human resources, and enhancing data sharing to build long-term resilience. Achieving this goal requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. The port needs to address bottlenecks throughout the supply chain and incentivize participation from various partners to ensure a smooth transition to round-the-clock operations and improve overall efficiency.

01/07/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Air Freight Rates Drop Amid Ocean Shipping Recovery

Air Freight Rates Drop Amid Ocean Shipping Recovery

Impacted by the recovery of ocean freight, air cargo prices have significantly declined, prompting retailers to accelerate their shift to ocean shipping for cost reduction. The market is exhibiting a trend towards shorter-term contracts, placing pressure on industry profitability. However, new opportunities, such as cross-border e-commerce, persist. The market is expected to gradually stabilize in the future, but short-term challenges remain, requiring flexible strategies. The drop in air freight rates is primarily driven by retailers switching to ocean freight due to lower costs.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Fast Fashion Giant Shein Invests 15M in Factory Upgrades

Fast Fashion Giant Shein Invests 15M in Factory Upgrades

Fast fashion giant Shein announced a $15 million investment to upgrade its supply chain factories, aiming to improve working conditions and enhance its corporate image. This move follows media exposure and internal investigations, and while Shein disputes some allegations, it acknowledges excessive working hours. Facing scrutiny over labor rights and environmental pollution, Shein needs to establish a transparent supply chain, protect worker rights, and promote sustainable development to shed its “sweatshop” image. The investment is a step, but long-term commitment to ethical practices is crucial.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Algeria Boosts Trade Security with Dutch Customs Lab Aid

Algeria Boosts Trade Security with Dutch Customs Lab Aid

Algerian experts visited the Netherlands to study customs laboratories, aiming to adopt best practices for building a modern customs laboratory in Algeria. The visit focused on work organization, infrastructure, and technology application, with a deep dive into the laboratory's role in tariff classification. This initiative is part of the EU-World Customs Organization (WCO) HS-Africa Programme, designed to enhance customs management in African countries, promoting trade facilitation and security. The knowledge gained will contribute to Algeria's efforts to improve its customs procedures and efficiency.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Fedexusps Partnership in Doubt As Ecommerce Shifts Strategies

Fedexusps Partnership in Doubt As Ecommerce Shifts Strategies

The partnership between FedEx and the United States Postal Service (USPS) faces renewal challenges as USPS reduces air cargo volume, impacting FedEx's revenue. Both parties need to re-evaluate their collaboration model to seek mutually beneficial outcomes. FedEx is optimizing operations through the DRIVE program to navigate uncertainty. Industry experts hold differing views, making future developments noteworthy. The reduced air cargo volume from USPS presents a significant hurdle in the renewal negotiations, requiring FedEx to adapt and potentially explore alternative strategies to maintain profitability.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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