Mastercard Receives International Trademark Association Award for Bettering Society

New York, New York―November 17, 2021―The International Trademark Association (INTA) is pleased to announce that Mastercard International Incorporated, a global financial services corporation located in Purchase, New York, is the recipient of the 2021 INTA Members for a Better Society Award.

The global association of brand owners and trademark professionals bestows this award—one of several INTA Service Awards—to an INTA member organization that has demonstrated during the year how it has positively impacted society and built consumer trust through initiatives relating to corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, or pro bono legal services.

Mastercard has been an INTA member for more than two decades, with employees participating in various committees that advance the work of the Association.

Mastercard’s various efforts to better society include supporting the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) program; the True Name initiative; and many other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and sustainability initiatives.

In 2020, Mastercard provided significant financial support to train police agencies participating in the ABLE program, a partnership between The Georgetown Law Innovative Policing Program and global law firm Sheppard Mullin. it is holistic national program centered on police training, accountability, and transparency, to foster a law enforcement culture where officers routinely intervene as necessary to prevent misconduct, avoid police mistakes, and promote officer health and wellness.

Mastercard’s True Name is a feature designed to empower transgender and non-binary cardholders to use their true names on their cards. The company introduced this initiative because for many in the LGBTQIA+ community, the name on their credit, debit, or prepaid card does not reflect their identity, which can cause painful reminders of a conflict between their true name and the name on their card.

Through extensive green initiatives, Mastercard has also demonstrated its ongoing commitment to sustainability. The company is mobilizing against climate change by committing to net-zero emissions by 2050 and supporting their suppliers’ decarbonization efforts.

In addition, last year, Mastercard launched its Solidarity initiative to help curb systemic racism worldwide through actions across three pillars: people, society, and market. The actions include bolstering Black employment, pledging $500 million to help close the wealth and opportunity gaps faced by Black communities in the U.S., and expanding the company’s annual spending with Black suppliers.

“Mastercard is pleased to accept the INTA Members for a Better Society Award.  It is a wonderful recognition of Mastercard’s commitment to equal treatment, equal opportunities, and equal rights for all people throughout the world,” said Colm Dobbyn, general counsel, intellectual property, Mastercard International Incorporated.

Involved at INTA for more than 30 years since he first worked in a corporate trademark role, he added on a personal note that the Association “has given me the opportunity to grow professionally and develop a network of contacts who have contributed to my success.”

In presenting the award to Mastercard, INTA President Tiki Dare said, “Mastercard is among the world leaders in corporate social responsibility. They continually do good with a strong sense of urgency and find unique ways to help their employees, communities, and society.”

She continued, “We’re thrilled to present this award to Mastercard, who have been voracious supporters of the Association for more than 20 years. We are continually inspired by their commitment to making the world a better place.”

Ms. Dare presented Mastercard with the INTA Members for a Better Society Award in a video announcement during INTA’s Annual Meeting Virtual+, taking place November 15 to 19. Throughout the Meeting, Ms. Dare also announced the recipients of other INTA Service Awards, the Tomorrow’s Leader Award, and the President’s Award.

About the International Trademark Association (INTA)
The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related intellectual property (IP) to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation. Members include nearly 6,500 organizations, representing more than 34,350 individuals (trademark owners, professionals, and academics) from 185 countries, who benefit from the Association’s global trademark resources, policy development, education and training, and international network. Founded in 1878, INTA is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Beijing, Brussels, Santiago, Singapore, and Washington, D.C., and a representative in New Delhi. For more information, visit inta.org.