In the 108th Congress, and just recently in the 109th Congress, I introduced legislation to combat the growing problem of counterfeit manufactured goods.

The size and scope of counterfeiting has grown enormously in recent years.  We should demand stronger anti-counterfeiting measures.  This is not just a law-and-order issue.  It is important to manufacturers as well.  In fact, it is estimated that counterfeit automobile parts costs the auto industry $12 billion in lost sales and 200,000 fewer jobs. 

My bill will strengthen our anti-counterfeiting statute in two ways.  First, it provides for the mandatory destruction of the machinery, tooling and supplies used to produce counterfeit goods.  This provision would be similar to those afforded to copyright owners and would prevent counterfeiters from retaining capital equipment for further use.

Second, my bill amends current law to prohibit trafficking in counterfeit labels, patches, and medallions that are unattached to any goods.  Sophisticated counterfeiters have often sold counterfeit versions of the trademark themselves in the form of patch sets or medallions that can later be attached to generic merchandises and given the appearance of a genuine product.  Again trademark owners would be given the same protection now afforded to copyright owners. 

If we can pass this bill, not only would we provide manufacturers with greater trademark protection, the revised law can provide the basis for the United States to request other countries, particularly China, to enact similar changes in their law. 

The following organizations support H.R. 32:

• American Apparel & Footwear Association

• Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

• Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association

• Grocery Manufacturers of America

• International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition

• International Trademark Association

• Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

• National Association of Manufacturers

• National Electrical Manufacturers Association

• National Marine Manufacturers Association

• National Retail Federation

• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

• Specialty Equipment Market Association

• United States Chamber of Commerce  

• National Truck Equipment Association

This bill currently has 59 co-sponsors, including: