INTA Commends the U.S. Senate for Passage of S. Res. 580 in Support of Increased Public Awareness of the Importance of Trademarks

Statement from Etienne Sanz de Acedo, CEO of the International Trademark Association, in response to passage of S.Res. 580 by the United States Senate on July 24, 2018:

The International Trademark Association (INTA) applauds the United States Senate for its unanimous passage on July 24, 2018 of S. Res. 580, which recognizes and supports the need for increased public awareness on the importance of trademarks as well as the goals and ideals of the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) National Trademark Exposition, to be held on July 27-July 28, 2018 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. INTA specifically commends Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Trademark Caucus, for their authorship of S. Res.580. 

S. Res. 580 is of particular importance to INTA and its members in the United States and around the world, as it underscores INTA’s strategic priorities of promoting the value of trademarks and brands through the protection of trademarks and related intellectual property, and reinforcing consumer trust by highlighting trademarks as a source of information, and brands as a promise of delivery.

The Resolution couldn’t be timelier. It powerfully brings attention to the value of trademarks and critical issues such as counterfeiting that affect brand owners, the economy, and society at large. 

S. Res. 580 notes that intellectual property “is instrumental to the economy of the United States by fueling innovation and creating jobs” and a part of daily life—as evidenced in a marketplace where “U.S. consumers encounter an average of 1,500 trademarks each day.” The Resolution also acknowledges “the escalating threat counterfeit goods pose to businesses and jobs” in the United States and emphasizes the importance of Congress and consumers to understand the impact of counterfeit goods on the economy and to the public’s health and safety. 

Additionally, the Resolution supports the USPTO’s 2018 National Trademark Exposition as an ideal opportunity to increase public awareness of the social and economic value of trademarks, encourage greater understanding on the importance of trademarks, and provide a platform for an exchange of information between corporations, small businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and the public alike. 

INTA is proud to be a part of the 2018 National Trademark Exposition and encourages the public to attend and learn more. INTA President Tish Berard will participate in an Exposition panel titled “Counterfeits and Con Artists: The Real Dangers and Costs of Fake Goods,” and INTA’s Unreal Campaign—an initiative to educate teens about counterfeiting and trademarks—will be exhibiting throughout the two-day event.

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 more than 7,200 trademark owners, professionals, and academics from 191 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 Brussels, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, and Washington, D.C., and representatives in Geneva and New Delhi. For more information, please visit www.inta.org.