AAFA praises release of USTR notorious markets report

January 12, 2018 – Today the American Apparel & Footwear Association praised the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following the release of the 2017 Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets. The annual report identifies physical and online marketplaces that reportedly engage in and facilitate substantial copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting.

“The Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets is an important tool in the fight to protect intellectual property. By identifying marketplaces that promote the sale of counterfeit products, we are all able to prioritize areas of risk for governments, law enforcement, and brands to better monitor and combat IP infringement. This report also provides consumers with information on marketplaces that are selling fake products that oftentimes do not meet safety and other standards,” said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “Protecting intellectual property is a never-ending task and requires continuous improvement. If you are standing still in the fight against counterfeits, you are moving backwards. Therefore, it is essential that governments, law enforcement authorities, and brands collaborate to stem the flow of counterfeit merchandise. This report is an essential part of the process to protect intellectual property rights and innovation.

"Special thanks to USTR Ambassador Lighthizer and his team, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the other government agencies for incorporating AAFA's input in this valued report. AAFA takes IP protection very seriously, and remains ready and willing to work with marketplaces to prevent the sale of counterfeit products,” Helfenbein said.

AAFA submitted comments to USTR for review on October 2. The full report can be found here.