Toy Association Advocates for Stronger Protection Against Counterfeit Products at Capitol Hill ‘SHOP SAFELY’ Event

September 26, 2024 | Can you spot the difference between a genuine and a counterfeit product? At the “SHOP SAFELY: Genuine Products for Fit, Function and Safety” event on Capitol Hill, many attendees found themselves unable to distinguish between the two.

Held September 25, SHOP SAFELY brought together policymakers, industry leaders from various consumer products industries, and members of the public to highlight the serious risks posed by counterfeit goods. Toy Association staff attended to advocate for stronger protections against illicit and unsafe products, such as the SHOP SAFE Act.

Owen Caine, vice president of government affairs at The Toy Association, engaged with government officials and attendees to discuss the hidden dangers of counterfeit toys. He also spoke with several media outlets, including Washington, DC-based WTOP News, about the importance of consumer education and regulatory action to combat counterfeits.

Attendees also had the chance to see firsthand how closely counterfeit products can resemble legitimate ones, sometimes with only subtle differences in packaging or branding. For example, The Lumistella Company displayed its flagship item Elf on the Shelf dressed in its classic red outfit. However, it sat next to several other iterations of the product dressed in all colors of the rainbow — all counterfeits.

“Consumers shouldn’t have to second-guess the safety of the toys they buy for their children,” Caine said. “The Toy Association is committed to working with policymakers and regulators to safeguard families and protect consumers from the increasingly growing threat of counterfeits.”

The Toy Association has been a vocal advocate against counterfeits and continues to work tirelessly to educate the public on the dangers of fake toys, spread awareness to other industries, and meet with government officials to convey the critical importance of legislation for consumer protection.

For more information on The Toy Association’s advocacy work on counterfeits and IP protection, visit thetoyassociation.org/advocacy. Members may contact Owen Caine, vice president of government affairs at The Toy Association, with any questions.