The Need to Evaluate the Benefits and Costs of a Proposed Trademark Treaty and Implementing Legislation

The Department of Commerce proposes to change the U.S. trademark law. Commerce vigorously supports the proposed international Trademark Registration Treaty, to which the United States is a signator. If Congress is to ratify the treaty, changes in U.S. trademark laws are necessary. The proposed legislative changes will not only affect the registration of international trademarks but will greatly alter the process and methods for registering domestic trademarks in this country. The changes will affect all U.S. business firms registering trademarks.

An informed and objective decision on the treaty and proposed legislation cannot be made without complete and accurate estimates of the benefits and increased costs to all parties. Commerce, however, did not obtain the data necessary to make such a decision. This data could be obtained from a representative sample of business firms registering domestic and foreign trademarks.

Recommendations

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