No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act of 2023
Source: Congress.gov ·
385 words in original text
What This Bill Does
This bill changes rules about whether U.S. courts and executive branch agencies can recognize trademark rights (brand names and commercial identities) that were taken from confiscated businesses or assets. The bill requires that anyone trying to use these confiscated trademarks must have the permission of the original owner or their legal successor before courts or agencies can recognize those rights.
Who It Affects
U.S. courts, executive branch agencies, people or businesses trying to assert trademark rights, original owners of confiscated marks or trademarks, and legal successors to those original owners.
Key Provisions
* U.S. courts and executive branch entities cannot recognize rights to marks, trade names, or commercial names that were used in connection with confiscated business or assets unless the original owner or their legal successor agrees in writing (Sec. 2(1)(C))
* Courts and executive branch entities cannot recognize these rights if the person or business claiming them knew or should have known when they acquired the rights that the mark was the same as or very similar to a mark connected to confiscated business or assets (Sec. 2(4))
* The rules apply only to marks used in connection with confiscated business or assets (Sec. 2(4))
What Changes
The law now requires express written consent from the original owner or their legal successor before confiscated trademark rights can be recognized. Additionally, the law now applies to executive branch agencies, not just courts, and adds a requirement that the person asserting rights knew or should have known about the confiscation.
Important Definitions
None defined in bill text.
Important: This plain English summary was generated by AI and is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not legal advice. Always consult the official bill text on Congress.gov
or a qualified attorney for legal matters.