INTA Board of Directors Engages with Government Officials During Visit to Washington, D.C.

Last month, INTA’s Board of Directors traveled to Washington, D.C., for its third in-person meeting of 2025 and a U.S. Government Relations Program. The two-day program took place at two locations: Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia.  

During these sessions, the Board engaged with a distinguished group of speakers, including members of Congress, congressional staff, and key federal officials involved in shaping intellectual property (IP) law and policy in the United States. Notable participants included representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the U.S. Copyright Office (USCO). 

The Board gained valuable insights into the prospects for new IP legislation in the current Congress and was privileged to hear from two Congressional champions for innovation and strong IP protection: Co-Chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus (CTC) Representative Ben Cline and Representative Michael Baumgartner, both members of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet. Both representatives spoke of the importance of strong IP protection regarding economic growth and competitiveness. INTA’s collaboration with members of the CTC is an important component of the Association’s outreach and influence. Each year, INTA partners with the CTC to organize a year-end event during the holiday season dedicated to increasing awareness about the harms of counterfeiting, consumer safety, and IP enforcement. 

The two-day visit highlighted both the challenges and opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) brings to IP protection. Recent USCO reports on AI exemplify the level of analysis that is happening in Washington, D.C., on this cross-sectoral issue. 

IP enforcement also featured prominently in the discussions, including efforts by CBP to enforce IP at the border and by the DOJ. The conversations also highlighted the role of the USITC in investigating and making determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to violate U.S. IP rights. 

The program also underscored how trade initiatives can be leveraged to protect and promote IP enforcement globally. Shortly after the Board’s visit, USTR launched a public consultation in advance of the Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) underscoring the relevance of trade to INTA’s work. The Review encompasses the IP provisions of the Agreement. 

The agenda also explored the USPTO’s work and priorities to support IP rights under the current administration, and the USPTO’s new Director, John Squires, who was confirmed by Congress shortly after the visit. 

During the meeting prior to the Government Relations Program, the Board of Directors voted to adopt four resolutions: 

• Standardized Exceptions for International Exhaustion of Trademark Rights; 
• Acceptance of Coexistence Agreements and Letters of Consent; 
• Support for Delegation of New dotBrands within the DNS [Domain Name System]; and 
• Best Practice Guide for Online Marketplaces to Protect Design Rights. 

In a press release announcing the four resolutions, INTA Chief Policy Officer Heather Steinmeyer said, “Together, these four Board resolutions illustrate the expansive nature of INTA’s committee work and effective engagement with key stakeholders in the global IP ecosystem. In addressing evolving issues such as parallel imports, coexistence agreements, dotBrands, and online design rights, we’re providing clear guidance for stakeholders and enhancing brand owners’ rights, while fostering consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation.” 

INTA’s Washington, D.C., Representative Office advocates the Association’s policy positions in the United States and Canada. To learn more about INTA’s activities in the region, please contact Associate Senior Director, Government Relations Jennifer Simmons.