Whereas intellectual property is instrumental to the economy of the United States by fueling innovation and creating jobs; Whereas Congress and the Congressional Trademark Caucus understand the importance of trademarks and wish to support the United States Patent and Trademark Office in operating to drive economic growth and enhance the competitiveness of the United States; Whereas the first National Trademark Exposition took place more than 30 years ago in Washington, DC; Whereas, in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, counterfeit goods pose an escalating threat to businesses and jobs in the United States; Whereas counterfeit goods cost the United States billions of dollars and countless jobs annually; Whereas it is important for Congress and consumers to understand the impact of counterfeit goods on the economy of, and the health and safety of consumers in, the United States; Whereas low quality counterfeit goods can— (1) be dangerous to consumers and harmful to entrepreneurs; and (2) erode consumer confidence in brands; Whereas trademark registration and Federal trademark law assist the public in— (1) discerning between authentic and counterfeit merchandise; and (2) stopping the flow of counterfeit goods; Whereas consumers in the United States encounter an average of 1,500 trademarks each day; Whereas it is important for the United States to strive to have the best intellectual property system possible that is understood by the public of the United States; Whereas the Congressional Trademark Caucus focuses on supporting initiatives that increase awareness of, and foster a productive public dialogue about, the importance of trademarks and the risks associated with counterfeit goods; Whereas the National Trademark Exposition supports the work of the Congressional Trademark Caucus by facilitating the education of thousands of consumers