WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the month of August as National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month and highlighting the importance of the roles of trademarks in the American economy and in protecting consumer safety.
“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus, I’m proud to introduce my bipartisan resolution with Senator Grassley to raise awareness and educate American consumers on counterfeits and Congress’ commitment to combating counterfeits,” said Senator Coons. “Counterfeits can put consumers in danger, harm the intellectual property of inventors and creators, and hurt our economy. The more we can do to raise attention to the harms of counterfeit goods, the stronger American innovation will be.”
“Knockoffs not only violate intellectual property rights; they also threaten consumers, innovators, and the economy,” said Senator Grassley. “I’m glad to join Senator Coons on this bipartisan resolution as increased education and awareness efforts are critical to preventing counterfeit activity and protecting American business and ingenuity.”
Senator Coons has been a longstanding advocate of protecting U.S. intellectual property rights and protecting the American consumer from counterfeit goods. He introduced the SHOP SAFE Act with Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to protect consumers from harmful counterfeit products sold online. As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Intellectual Property Subcommittee, Senator Coons held a hearing on oversight of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this month to ensure U.S. intellectual property laws are being enforced reliably, effectively, and predictably.
Senator Coons previously cosponsored a similar resolution in the 117th Congress.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
Senator Coons is the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Intellectual Property Subcommittee and the Co-Chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus.