[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 153 (Thursday, October 13, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S6503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL TRADEMARK EXPO

  Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I would like to recognize and express my 
support of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's, USPTO, National 
Trademark Expo.
  Trademarks are characteristics of a good or service such as a name, 
symbol, or sound that identify and distinguish one party's goods and 
services from those of others and help many of us distinguish between 
authentic and counterfeit merchandise. On any given day, an individual 
may be exposed to as many as 1,500 trademarks.
  Trademarks are useful tools against counterfeit goods, which cost the 
United States billions of dollars and many jobs each year, as well as 
undermine consumer confidence in brand integrity when purchasers 
encounter imitation goods of lesser quality. Through the USPTO's 
efficient approval process and registration of trademarks, the agency 
assists businesses in protecting their investments, promoting goods and 
services, and safeguarding consumers against confusion and deception in 
the marketplace.
  This year's National Trademark Expo will be held on Friday, October 
14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 
p.m., at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, VA. The Expo will 
feature educational seminars, children's workshops, story time, guided 
tours and presentations from some of America's leading large 
corporations, small businesses, governmental agencies and nonprofit 
corporations.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the USPTO for its 
continued efforts to educate the public on the important role of 
trademarks, as well as the benefits of the National Trademark Expo.

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