WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)
today introduced
a bipartisan resolution designating July as National Anti-Counterfeiting Consumer
Education and Awareness Month. The resolution also recognizes and celebrates
the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Lanham Act which laid the foundation
for modern trademark protection and safeguards consumers from counterfeit
products.
“Knockoffs not only violate intellectual
property rights; they also threaten the economy, consumers and innovation,” Grassley said. “I’m glad to
introduce this bipartisan resolution. Increased education and awareness efforts
are critical to helping to put a stop to counterfeit activity and protect
American business and ingenuity.”
In addition to Grassley, the resolution is
cosponsored by Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Dick Durbin
(D-Ill.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).
Grassley has been a longtime fighter
against waste, fraud and abuse that ultimately affects taxpayers. He serves as
the co-chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus. Grassley recently introduced
legislation to crack down on counterfeit merchandise entering the U.S. He
also recently spoke on the Senate floor
about the increased risks and potential dangers that counterfeit merchandise
pose to businesses and consumers.