Brands and Lawmakers Discuss Strategies to Combat Counterfeiting at Annual CTC Dialogue

On Wednesday, December 11, INTA joined the Congressional Trademark Caucus (CTC) on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., for the eighth annual Empower Yourself: Safeguard Your Family Against Counterfeit Goods This Holiday Season dialogue. The event brought together lawmakers and brand owners to address the growing challenges posed by counterfeiting, an issue particularly problematic during the holiday shopping season.

INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo set the event’s tone with his opening remarks, mentioning the risks counterfeit products pose for brands, consumers, and society. He emphasized the urgency of collective action and the CTC’s invaluable role. U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Chris Coons (D-Delaware) also spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of legislative policies that protect intellectual property (IP) and foster economic growth.

The event’s first panel discussion shed light on brands’ proactive measures to counteract the rise in counterfeit goods, particularly on online platforms, and included remarks from several INTA members. Ashley Nightingale (Lumistella, USA) outlined efforts to tackle fraudulent sellers and highlighted the importance of branding and licensing in distinguishing authentic products. Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee member Jeni Zuercher (Yeti, USA) shared YETI brand strategies for training law enforcement agents and engaging with customers to prevent hazardous counterfeit purchases. Finally, Kebharu Smith (Amazon.com. Inc., USA) highlighted cases where the collaboration between YETI and AMAZON served as an example of the power of brand partnerships in addressing this global issue.

Additionally, the group received an update on anticounterfeiting efforts by the USPTO, CBP, and HSI during the dialogue’s second panel.

This event reaffirmed the importance of fostering relationships between private-sector stakeholders and public institutions. The insights from brand owners, government agencies, and lawmakers underscored that combating counterfeiting requires vigilance and actions on all fronts.

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

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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