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Anti- Counterfeiting Bill Introduced

On January 4, Congressman Joseph Knollenberg (R-Mich-9) introduced the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act in the 109th Congress in an effort to curtail what has been perceived as rampant growth of counterfeit goods in the United States market.
Rep. Knollenberg says a current loophole in U.S. law allows the makers of fake labels to escape prosecution for trademark infringement. Counterfeiters can import unmarked knock-offs into the country, where they are then wrapped with fraudulent U.S. trademarks and trade names and passed off onto unsuspecting consumers.
Rep. Knollenberg’s recently introduced legislation will close this loophole and increase the penalties for counterfeiting, The bill allows the seizure of the property used to produce counterfeit products, and requires restitution be made to the victims.
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) says it will help Congressman Knollenberg recruit Congressional co-sponsors and other stakeholders to ensure the bill advances in Congress.
“Not only does the spread of counterfeit goods have an adverse effect on the ability of marine manufacturers to build healthy businesses that employ millions of Americans, it endangers consumers who purchase what they believe to be safe, quality products – (product which) may in fact be fraudulent, dangerous reproductions,” said NMMA President Thom Dammrich.

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