A coalition of major US industry associations and organization has written to President-elect Trump regarding intellectual property protection and counterfeit goods concerns. The group commends the 2019 Trump Administration Memorandum on combating counterfeit goods, while asking him to reassert his commitment to stemming the flow of illegal trafficking.
Broad Industry Support for Stringent IP Protection
The letter is signed by 15 major industry associations, including automotive, apparel, healthcare, and consumer products organizations, representing a broad cross-section of U.S. manufacturing and IP interests. Signers include American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF), The Toy Association, Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA), The International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition, and Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
Key Priorities for Combatting Counterfeit Products
The letter focuses on several critical priorities:
Administration Appointments
The request calls for nomination of key positions including Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC), Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director to create digital policies for creators and innovators while protecting intellectual property (IP). A CBP Commissioner has already been nominated.
Policy Recommendations
Signers request the establishment of an Interagency Working Group on illicit trade and counterfeits within President-elect Trump’s first 100 days. They also ask for implementation of recommendations from the 2020 DHS report on counterfeit trafficking, regular quarterly stakeholder meetings, and evaluation of potential executive orders and policy changes for counterfeit prevention.
Legislative Support
The group advocates for the passage of the SHOP SAFE Act (H.R.8684 / S. 2934) in the 118th Congress. The bill aims to encourage e-commerce platforms to strengthen their anti-counterfeit measures.
Counterfeits Threaten US Economy, Competitiveness and Consumer Safety
The letter emphasizes the threat of counterfeits to America’s business competitiveness, innovation economy, and consumer safety. It also highlights national security concerns related to counterfeit trade.