WASHINGTON – Ahead of World IP Day, experts from the four major U.S. professional sports leagues and college sports team licensing discussed the value of trademarks and the hazards of counterfeit sports industry goods. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus, delivered remarks during the event.
“Trademarks bring tremendous value to the economy, serving the important role of signifying authenticity which incentivizes businesses to create quality goods and services. This is clear in the sports industry, where league names are household names, associated with the joy and excitement of our country’s great sports teams. That’s also why we must promote greater awareness of the harms caused by counterfeit goods—they undermine a trademark’s promise of quality, hurting businesses and customers alike. I’m pleased that, today, we were able to have experts from the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and IMG College Licensing speak on this important topic and how it affects their industry, and I would also like to thank the International Trademark Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for helping to organize this event,” said Senator Coons.
“The International Trademark Association (INTA) is grateful for the opportunity to work with the leadership of the Congressional Trademark Caucus to elevate the importance of trademark, brand, and consumer protection issues across all industries, including the sports industry, which are severely impacted by pervasive counterfeiting,” said Etienne Sanz de Acedo, INTA’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Intellectual property protections help drive innovation in the sports industry to the benefit of fans, athletes, and businesses alike. Intellectual property is behind the best business strategies, the latest sports science technology, and the most cutting-edge fan entertainment experiences. This World IP Day, GIPC is proud to celebrate IP-driven innovation in sport – and in America’s 81 diverse IP-intensive industry sectors – alongside the Congressional Trademark Caucus and America’s leading sports professionals. The sports industry is a vital piece of the global economy and we look forward to seeing it grow even stronger,” said David Hirschmann, president and CEO, Global Innovation Policy Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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