Press Release
March 9, 2015

USTR’s “Notorious Markets” Report Echoes Trademark Working Group on Nigerian Counterfeit Outlets

WASHINGTON (March 9, 2015) – On March 5, 2015, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released its report on “Notorious Markets,” highlighting both virtual (online) and physical marketplaces throughout the world that traffic in counterfeit goods. The submission of the Trademark Working Group was reflected in USTR’s report, particularly in relation to physical markets in Nigeria that deal in counterfeit products. 

Holland & Knight Washington, D.C.-based partner Paul Kilmer, founder and spokesperson for the Trademark Working Group, noted: “USTR’s ‘Notorious Markets’ report is the only comprehensive resource calling out marketplaces that trade in pirated and counterfeit goods, and the Trademark Working Group is pleased to have made a contribution to that process.”

Links to USTR’s press release and the full “Notorious Markets” report may be found at:

USTR Press Release
“Notorious Markets” Report

The Trademark Working Group was formed in 2013 and includes in-house counsel from Fortune 500 companies, certification mark owners and smaller companies with international business operations. The group's goal is to collect information from U.S. businesses and law firms regarding trademark laws and practices of foreign nations that deny adequate protection to trademark rights. The Trademark Working Group is the source of the Global Trademark Report Card (GTRC), which is issued on an annual basis to coincide with USTR’s Special 301 process.

The GTRC highlights a number of gaps in foreign trademark laws as well as practices by foreign governments that deny trademark owners the ability to protect their brands abroad. This year's GTRC and the Trademark Working Group's accompanying letter to USTR may be found at the following links: 

2015 Global Trademark Report Card
Summary/Cover Letter

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