INTA Welcomes Anticounterfeiting Measures in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012
02-Jan-2012
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NEW YORK, NY - The International Trademark Association (INTA) welcomed in a press release the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 into law. The Act includes measures to address counterfeit military products and to provide for higher penalties to those who knowingly sell counterfeits that are intended for use by the military or that are identified as meeting military standards. It also includes language that temporarily resolves the ability of Customs officers to provide information about suspected counterfeit goods to rights holders without fear of violating the Trade Secrets Act.
According to government reports, counterfeit products have been found in items such as aircraft parts, body armor and computer circuits used in the military. These illegitimate products pose serious risks to U.S. security systems and the safety of those using the items.
The counterfeit products amendment had been introduced previously by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) as a stand-alone bill, the Combating Military Counterfeits Act, and was cosponsored by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), John McCain (R-AZ), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The Trade Secrets amendment was added through the intervention of Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and John McCain (R-AZ).
INTA had supported these amendments and pushed for their successful inclusion in the final version of the 2012 defense bill. INTA applauds these Senators for taking the initiative to provide stronger protection from counterfeit goods and its contribution to the country's national security.