TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Nia H. Gill and John H. Adler which would amend New Jersey’s counterfeiting laws to make them consistent with those of the International Trademark Association was approved today by the full Senate by a vote of 37 to 1.
“We are sending a strong, clear message: counterfeiting will not be tolerated in New Jersey,” said Senator Gill, D-Essex and Passaic. “We cannot continue believing counterfeit products are harmless. They have infiltrated markets for every consumer good imaginable and they threaten our economy, health, and safety.”
“The stiffer penalties in this bill will discourage people from selling knock-offs of popular items,” said Senator Adler, D-Cherry Hill. “These products not only hurt legitimate businesses, but threaten consumers’ health and safety. Just a few months ago, there was a product recall because counterfeit tubes of toothpaste were being sold that contained a possibly toxic chemical.”