1 00:00:04,004 --> 00:00:07,074 (Applause) >> SUSAN FRUCHTER: Good afternoon and welcome to the 2 00:00:07,074 --> 00:00:09,676 National Trademark Exposition. 3 00:00:09,676 --> 00:00:13,046 I am Sue Fruchter and I have the privilege to serve as interim 4 00:00:13,046 --> 00:00:17,017 director of your National Museum of American History. 5 00:00:17,017 --> 00:00:20,454 The most visited history museum in the world. 6 00:00:20,454 --> 00:00:24,057 We're honored to welcome so many distinguished guests 7 00:00:24,057 --> 00:00:27,895 including the Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual 8 00:00:27,895 --> 00:00:29,396 Property and Director of the U.S. 9 00:00:29,396 --> 00:00:32,766 Patent and Trademark Office Andrei Iancu. 10 00:00:32,766 --> 00:00:42,142 (Applause) >> SUE FRUCHTER: Commissioner for Trademarks, 11 00:00:42,142 --> 00:00:42,843 Mary Denison. 12 00:00:42,843 --> 00:00:50,584 (Applause) >> SUE FRUCHTER: And renowned advocate and lover of 13 00:00:50,584 --> 00:00:54,054 history, author, commentator and basketball legend 14 00:00:54,054 --> 00:01:01,295 Kareem Abdul?Jabbar.(Applause) 15 00:01:01,295 --> 00:01:04,197 >> SUE FRUCHTER: We thank the entire team from the trademark 16 00:01:04,197 --> 00:01:09,303 office and our Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation lead by 17 00:01:09,303 --> 00:01:12,806 Arthur Daemmrich for this exciting program. 18 00:01:12,806 --> 00:01:15,876 We're appreciative to the American Intellectual Property 19 00:01:15,876 --> 00:01:17,644 Law Association and 20 00:01:17,644 --> 00:01:20,514 the International Trademark Association for their 21 00:01:20,514 --> 00:01:22,449 generous support. 22 00:01:22,449 --> 00:01:27,321 We are thrilled to host this two?day program in collaboration with the 23 00:01:27,321 --> 00:01:31,692 U.S Patent and Trademark Office including over 20 displays for 24 00:01:31,692 --> 00:01:38,598 dynamic and innovative companies and government agencies. 25 00:01:38,598 --> 00:01:42,436 In addition to enjoying the panel discussions, please walk around and 26 00:01:42,436 --> 00:01:47,040 see the displays, invent new products and design and find out how 27 00:01:47,040 --> 00:01:51,645 to strengthen your own trademark in the activity zone. 28 00:01:51,645 --> 00:01:56,750 This trademark exposition celebrates a foundational American pillar that 29 00:01:56,750 --> 00:02:01,655 flows through our history protecting innovation and stimulating new 30 00:02:01,655 --> 00:02:04,524 consumer products and services. 31 00:02:04,524 --> 00:02:08,395 Our founders understood the value of protecting innovation and 32 00:02:08,395 --> 00:02:10,831 encouraging new ideas. 33 00:02:10,831 --> 00:02:15,302 While trademarks came under formal protection in the late 19th century, 34 00:02:15,302 --> 00:02:20,040 our collection of 18th century Paul Revere silverware is a 35 00:02:20,040 --> 00:02:22,843 wonderful demonstration of how Americans 36 00:02:22,843 --> 00:02:25,979 have used marking from our earliest days 37 00:02:25,979 --> 00:02:30,317 distinguish the quality of their products from their competitors. 38 00:02:30,317 --> 00:02:34,121 And today, as many of you are working to develop our own personal 39 00:02:34,121 --> 00:02:38,792 brand and new inventions, there's much to learn from this program and 40 00:02:38,792 --> 00:02:41,261 from our exhibitions. 41 00:02:41,261 --> 00:02:45,198 Here at the national museum we share and preserve a collection of 42 00:02:45,198 --> 00:02:50,570 national treasures on behalf of the American people and indeed the world 43 00:02:50,570 --> 00:02:55,108 to help us make sense of the present and most importantly shape a more 44 00:02:55,108 --> 00:02:57,444 humane future. 45 00:02:57,444 --> 00:03:02,416 History matters because it helps us understand where we have come from 46 00:03:02,416 --> 00:03:04,951 and opens opportunities for discussing and taking action 47 00:03:04,951 --> 00:03:07,554 for the future. 48 00:03:07,554 --> 00:03:11,458 So we are working to bring the nation together around fundamental 49 00:03:11,458 --> 00:03:17,964 American ideals and ideas like democracy, opportunity, and freedom. 50 00:03:17,964 --> 00:03:20,801 And of course invention and innovation, 51 00:03:20,801 --> 00:03:24,104 which join us as a people. 52 00:03:24,104 --> 00:03:29,009 To realize this ambitious vision we are in the midst of a 20?year $600 53 00:03:29,009 --> 00:03:34,548 million complete reinvention of every facet of this museum. 54 00:03:34,548 --> 00:03:38,685 Our invention and innovation wing which surrounds us today was 55 00:03:38,685 --> 00:03:42,022 renovated and reopened in 2015. 56 00:03:42,022 --> 00:03:45,859 It showcases stories about diverse inventors, 57 00:03:45,859 --> 00:03:49,596 broadens definitions of who inventors are and demonstrates 58 00:03:49,596 --> 00:03:53,366 that innovation is a process built around testing, 59 00:03:53,366 --> 00:03:58,305 tweaking and bringing new products and services to the public. 60 00:03:58,305 --> 00:04:02,976 Innovation and business are infused into every component of this floor 61 00:04:02,976 --> 00:04:07,481 from igniting young minds in spark lab over to your left where school 62 00:04:07,481 --> 00:04:13,186 aged children become inventors by fusing science and engineering with 63 00:04:13,186 --> 00:04:18,325 history, art, and creativity to show casing the importance of American 64 00:04:18,325 --> 00:04:22,662 inventors in American enterprise, the Smithsonian's 65 00:04:22,662 --> 00:04:27,300 first exhibition on the history of American business, which 66 00:04:27,300 --> 00:04:31,771 emphasizes the connections among inventors, entrepreneurs and 67 00:04:31,771 --> 00:04:38,778 consumers that fostered growth over the past 200 years. 68 00:04:38,778 --> 00:04:43,583 Over the next ten years as we work to transform the museum, we will be 69 00:04:43,583 --> 00:04:49,523 opening new exhibitions on science, medicine, entertainment, culture, 70 00:04:49,523 --> 00:04:53,260 and so many other fundamental American themes. 71 00:04:53,260 --> 00:04:58,698 We are weaving the American spirit of innovation into all of these 72 00:04:58,698 --> 00:05:03,837 projects of vital importance to an ever evolving nation 73 00:05:03,837 --> 00:05:07,140 facing change among the horizon. 74 00:05:07,140 --> 00:05:10,343 It's my pleasure to introduce a dear friend of the 75 00:05:10,343 --> 00:05:12,612 National Museum of American History, 76 00:05:12,612 --> 00:05:15,549 Mary Denison, the Commissioner of Tradmearks for 77 00:05:15,549 --> 00:05:18,318 the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. 78 00:05:18,318 --> 00:05:21,955 Mary leads all aspects of the trademark organization. 79 00:05:21,955 --> 00:05:25,959 She is known for her outreach to the trademark legal community, small 80 00:05:25,959 --> 00:05:30,330 businesses, and for making the trademark process more accessible to 81 00:05:30,330 --> 00:05:32,699 start?ups and innovators. 82 00:05:32,699 --> 00:05:35,235 She has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the 83 00:05:35,235 --> 00:05:37,871 International Trademark Association and 84 00:05:37,871 --> 00:05:40,040 holds degrees from Duke University 85 00:05:40,040 --> 00:05:43,076 and University of North Carolina school of law. 86 00:05:43,076 --> 00:05:45,045 Mary, welcome, and thank you again for your 87 00:05:45,045 --> 00:05:53,053 friendship and collaboration. (Applause) 88 00:05:53,053 --> 00:05:54,788 >> MARY BONEY DENISON: Thank you so much, Sue, for that 89 00:05:54,788 --> 00:05:55,722 kind introduction. 90 00:05:55,722 --> 00:05:59,960 And afternoon everyone, including those watching remotely. 91 00:05:59,960 --> 00:06:00,627 Welcome. 92 00:06:00,627 --> 00:06:05,899 We are so excited that the national trademark exhibition is being held 93 00:06:05,899 --> 00:06:08,969 here at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History 94 00:06:08,969 --> 00:06:11,338 for the first time. 95 00:06:11,338 --> 00:06:14,741 A big thank you to the Smithsonian for collaborating with us on this 96 00:06:14,741 --> 00:06:17,577 important event. 97 00:06:17,577 --> 00:06:23,116 I saw a recent article that the average consumer is exposed to up to 98 00:06:23,116 --> 00:06:26,720 10,000 brand messages every day. 99 00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:28,688 10,000. 100 00:06:28,688 --> 00:06:29,990 Amazing. 101 00:06:29,990 --> 00:06:32,392 How many brands are you wearing right now? 102 00:06:32,392 --> 00:06:33,893 I have on at least five. 103 00:06:33,893 --> 00:06:36,596 You probably do too. 104 00:06:36,596 --> 00:06:40,500 Most people are not even aware of the multitude of advertisements they 105 00:06:40,500 --> 00:06:43,703 see or hear all the time and the trademarks behind them. 106 00:06:43,703 --> 00:06:48,575 And studies have shown that kids as young as two can recognize most of 107 00:06:48,575 --> 00:06:52,746 the popular brand logos such as the McDonald's golden arches or the 108 00:06:52,746 --> 00:06:57,484 logos for Pepsi or Starbucks or Target. 109 00:06:57,484 --> 00:07:00,420 Take a look at this video. 110 00:07:05,225 --> 00:07:09,129 >> Looks like there's a doughnut. 111 00:07:09,129 --> 00:07:14,734 Doughnuts. 112 00:07:14,734 --> 00:07:16,236 >> Take a guess what do you think a company like that would make? 113 00:07:16,236 --> 00:07:19,873 >> Bow ties. 114 00:07:19,873 --> 00:07:24,377 >> It's coffee. 115 00:07:24,377 --> 00:07:27,580 >> My dad gets coffee there a lot. 116 00:07:27,580 --> 00:07:30,116 >> Mets. 117 00:07:30,116 --> 00:07:31,785 >> That says I love New York. 118 00:07:31,785 --> 00:07:32,886 Where do you live? 119 00:07:32,886 --> 00:07:36,089 >> At my house. 120 00:07:36,089 --> 00:07:41,461 >> On the mother's and farther's laptop. 121 00:07:41,461 --> 00:07:43,563 >> Yankees. 122 00:07:43,563 --> 00:07:48,301 >> That's the type of brand my dad smokes, a cigarette brand. 123 00:07:48,301 --> 00:07:55,542 >> This is for French fries. 124 00:07:55,542 --> 00:07:58,378 >> Isn't that fabulous? 125 00:07:58,378 --> 00:08:01,481 I still remember taking my daughter to an antique show when she was 126 00:08:01,481 --> 00:08:06,319 about 18 months old and she saw the Visa logo and she said Visa. 127 00:08:06,319 --> 00:08:07,387 I almost fell on the floor. 128 00:08:07,387 --> 00:08:12,826 I shouldn't be surprised because my Visa card does get a lot of work. 129 00:08:12,826 --> 00:08:14,627 An important part of the mission of the U.S. 130 00:08:14,627 --> 00:08:18,365 Patent and Trademark Office is education and outreach. 131 00:08:18,365 --> 00:08:23,636 This venue, being a place of fun learning right on the national mall 132 00:08:23,636 --> 00:08:26,439 certainly aligns with those goals. 133 00:08:26,439 --> 00:08:30,710 Today is a fun day for you and your kids to brand a sneaker, to 134 00:08:30,710 --> 00:08:34,748 participate in a scavenger hunt for trademarks or learn what a trademark 135 00:08:34,748 --> 00:08:36,516 grave yard is. 136 00:08:36,516 --> 00:08:40,186 In addition, after you learn about trademarks, we suggest you head over 137 00:08:40,186 --> 00:08:44,424 and check out the museum's exhibits particularly the draper spark lab 138 00:08:44,424 --> 00:08:48,061 where visitors can become inventors. 139 00:08:48,061 --> 00:08:52,999 We hope each of you will learn more about the importance of trademarks 140 00:08:52,999 --> 00:08:56,136 to the economy as well as your own personal lives. 141 00:08:56,136 --> 00:08:59,572 In addition to being vital to the economy, trademarks are everywhere 142 00:08:59,572 --> 00:09:01,875 and they are fun. 143 00:09:01,875 --> 00:09:05,045 This year we're welcoming 20 exhibiters to teach you about their 144 00:09:05,045 --> 00:09:07,847 brands and the importance of trademarks. 145 00:09:07,847 --> 00:09:11,251 We have 1,000 Crain's LLC, 146 00:09:11,251 --> 00:09:14,487 American Intellectual Property Law Association 147 00:09:14,487 --> 00:09:16,990 DC Roller Girls, 148 00:09:16,990 --> 00:09:21,661 Edible IP LLC, DBA Edible Arrangements, 149 00:09:21,661 --> 00:09:24,297 Girl Scouts Nations Capitol 150 00:09:24,297 --> 00:09:27,901 Global Brand Council U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 151 00:09:27,901 --> 00:09:33,973 International Trademark Association, Lucia's Labs, 152 00:09:33,973 --> 00:09:40,413 LLC, Microsoft, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, National Park Service 153 00:09:40,413 --> 00:09:47,187 and National Park Foundation, Numbers Alive, Politics and Pros, 154 00:09:47,187 --> 00:09:54,861 Safeway, Segue, Inc., Tenneco Automotive, the National Institute 155 00:09:54,861 --> 00:09:59,599 on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Under Armour, Inc., 156 00:09:59,599 --> 00:10:03,403 Velcro Companies and YMCA. 157 00:10:03,403 --> 00:10:07,373 Many of these exhibiters have brands that you probably recognize. 158 00:10:07,373 --> 00:10:11,144 But there are also some newer fun brands for you to get to know. 159 00:10:11,144 --> 00:10:15,181 You'll see the importance of trademarks in every line of work. 160 00:10:15,181 --> 00:10:18,384 We also hope that you'll check out our USPTO booth which has 161 00:10:18,384 --> 00:10:22,222 information on the important role that trademarks play for businesses 162 00:10:22,222 --> 00:10:25,091 plus materials to help you to learn more about the trademark 163 00:10:25,091 --> 00:10:29,662 registration process. In closing I want to thank 164 00:10:29,662 --> 00:10:33,266 Shana Webster Trotman and Chrisie Brightmire King who 165 00:10:33,266 --> 00:10:38,705 led the 2018 National Trademark Exposition for our agency 166 00:10:38,705 --> 00:10:41,341 together with Arthur Daemmrich for the Smithsonian. 167 00:10:41,341 --> 00:10:45,178 They have worked so hard to make this fantastic event happen. 168 00:10:45,178 --> 00:10:47,147 Let's give them a big round of applause. 169 00:10:47,147 --> 00:10:56,689 (Applause) >> MARY BONEY DENISON: Now I have the honor of introducing 170 00:10:56,689 --> 00:11:00,293 USPTO Director Andrei Iancu. 171 00:11:00,293 --> 00:11:02,762 Andrei Iancu is the Undersecretary of Commerce for 172 00:11:02,762 --> 00:11:05,098 Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. 173 00:11:05,098 --> 00:11:06,766 Patent and Trademark Office. 174 00:11:06,766 --> 00:11:10,336 In this role he provides leadership and oversight to one of the largest 175 00:11:10,336 --> 00:11:15,742 intellectual property offices in the world with over 13,000 employees and 176 00:11:15,742 --> 00:11:17,977 an annual budget of over $3 billion. 177 00:11:17,977 --> 00:11:23,283 He also serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Commerce 178 00:11:23,283 --> 00:11:27,186 on domestic and international intellectual property matters. 179 00:11:27,186 --> 00:11:31,057 Before joining the USPTO, Mr. Iancu was the managing partner 180 00:11:31,057 --> 00:11:33,192 at Irell & Manella LLP where his 181 00:11:33,192 --> 00:11:37,096 practice focused on intellectual property litigation. 182 00:11:37,096 --> 00:11:40,433 He holds a juris doctorate from the UCLA school of law. 183 00:11:40,433 --> 00:11:41,100 Mr. Iancu holds a Juris Doctor from the UCLA School of Law. 184 00:11:41,100 --> 00:11:44,137 He also has a Master of Science in mechanical engineering and 185 00:11:44,137 --> 00:11:48,441 a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering also from UCLA. 186 00:11:48,441 --> 00:11:52,378 He's a huge fan of Kareem. 187 00:11:52,378 --> 00:11:55,949 He even has a bobble head on his desk. 188 00:11:55,949 --> 00:12:06,025 So please join me in welcoming USPTO director Andrei Iancu. (Applause) 189 00:12:06,025 --> 00:12:10,863 >> ANDREI IANCU: Thank you, Mary, and so good to see all of you here. 190 00:12:10,863 --> 00:12:13,533 Intellectual property really is exciting. 191 00:12:13,533 --> 00:12:18,271 I can tell from all of you being here that that is the case. 192 00:12:18,271 --> 00:12:21,474 The fact is that intellectual property is our future. 193 00:12:21,474 --> 00:12:24,277 As I often say through the doors of the U.S. 194 00:12:24,277 --> 00:12:29,315 Patent and Trademark Office walks our future. 195 00:12:29,315 --> 00:12:31,484 And how true that is. 196 00:12:31,484 --> 00:12:35,021 It is especially wonderful to be here with all of you, and I'd like 197 00:12:35,021 --> 00:12:39,626 to thank the entire staff at the Smithsonian's National Museum of 198 00:12:39,626 --> 00:12:45,031 American History for hosting us during this two?day festival. 199 00:12:45,031 --> 00:12:48,534 We are so pleased to collaborate with the Smithsonian on shining a 200 00:12:48,534 --> 00:12:52,505 spotlight on the importance of trademarks in the 201 00:12:52,505 --> 00:12:53,873 global marketplace. 202 00:12:53,873 --> 00:12:57,944 I also want to thank the more than 12,000 employees of the U.S. 203 00:12:57,944 --> 00:13:03,483 Patent and Trademark Office for everything they do on a daily basis 204 00:13:03,483 --> 00:13:08,421 to advance intellectual property and the effort they have put together 205 00:13:08,421 --> 00:13:10,089 for this event. 206 00:13:10,089 --> 00:13:15,561 I often consider the most valuable asset of a company. 207 00:13:15,561 --> 00:13:20,667 Trademarks prevent confusion in the marketplace by helping consumers 208 00:13:20,667 --> 00:13:27,407 identify their trusted or preferred brands thereby engendering good will 209 00:13:27,407 --> 00:13:30,109 and customer loyalty. 210 00:13:30,109 --> 00:13:35,014 Some of the world's most famous brands are valued at hundreds of 211 00:13:35,014 --> 00:13:39,218 millions of dollars and sometimes more. 212 00:13:39,218 --> 00:13:41,387 The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 213 00:13:41,387 --> 00:13:45,325 creates and maintains the federal register 214 00:13:45,325 --> 00:13:53,332 of trademarks that provides notice of 2.3 million marks in use today. 215 00:13:53,332 --> 00:13:58,705 Needles to say and as Mary just mentioned in her remarks, trademarks 216 00:13:58,705 --> 00:14:03,643 play a significant role in the United States economy. 217 00:14:03,643 --> 00:14:08,648 The primary function of the trademarks division at the USPTO is 218 00:14:08,648 --> 00:14:14,620 to examine and register trademarks, service marks, certification marks, 219 00:14:14,620 --> 00:14:18,424 and collective membership marks that meet the requirements of the 220 00:14:18,424 --> 00:14:20,560 Trademark Act. 221 00:14:20,560 --> 00:14:24,697 Critical to that mission is educating the public about the 222 00:14:24,697 --> 00:14:27,333 importance and value of trademarks. 223 00:14:27,333 --> 00:14:31,838 And we work hard every day to do this. 224 00:14:31,838 --> 00:14:35,608 Some of the ways we educate the general public and business owners 225 00:14:35,608 --> 00:14:40,680 about trademarks is through the creation of educational materials as 226 00:14:40,680 --> 00:14:46,352 well as videos posted on the Internet as well as on our website. 227 00:14:46,352 --> 00:14:50,623 We also participate in community events throughout the country and 228 00:14:50,623 --> 00:14:54,660 provide training and instruction on trademark law. 229 00:14:54,660 --> 00:14:59,632 And of course, events like this one are a big part of that effort 230 00:14:59,632 --> 00:15:04,237 because we can introduce thousands of people like those of you here 231 00:15:04,237 --> 00:15:09,809 today on the importance of trademarks and how to learn more 232 00:15:09,809 --> 00:15:15,681 about them today we're launching another public education initiative. 233 00:15:15,681 --> 00:15:20,286 This time on the subject of counterfeit goods. 234 00:15:20,286 --> 00:15:26,492 Counterfeits are goods that appear to be safe and legitimate but 235 00:15:26,492 --> 00:15:32,865 unlawfully copy familiar brand names and are sold illegally. 236 00:15:32,865 --> 00:15:35,935 According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 237 00:15:35,935 --> 00:15:42,441 trade in counterfeit goods has increased more than 80% 238 00:15:42,441 --> 00:15:51,117 in the last five years, increasing to $250 billion annually in 2008 to 239 00:15:51,117 --> 00:15:56,322 more than $461 billion in 2013. 240 00:15:56,322 --> 00:16:00,226 Additionally, the report determined that counterfeit products now 241 00:16:00,226 --> 00:16:07,166 represent more than 2.5% of all world trade. 242 00:16:07,166 --> 00:16:11,804 And while some people believe that counterfeiting is a, quote, 243 00:16:11,804 --> 00:16:17,910 victimless crime, it is important to note that every day consumers are 244 00:16:17,910 --> 00:16:23,282 exposed to ineffective and sometimes life?threatening 245 00:16:23,282 --> 00:16:25,885 counterfeit products. 246 00:16:25,885 --> 00:16:31,057 Recognizing how vitally important it is to educate the public about the 247 00:16:31,057 --> 00:16:37,396 harms of counterfeit goods, the USPTO is today launching a video 248 00:16:37,396 --> 00:16:44,604 contest to collect 30 to 60 second videos about counterfeits. 249 00:16:44,604 --> 00:16:50,243 The video contest is entitled consumers combat counterfeits. 250 00:16:50,243 --> 00:16:54,847 The winning videos will appear on the USPTO website and be considered 251 00:16:54,847 --> 00:16:58,484 for use as public service announcements. 252 00:16:58,484 --> 00:17:02,555 In each of your tote bags you will find the flier with additional 253 00:17:02,555 --> 00:17:15,768 information, and you can learn more at www.USPTO.gov/tmvideocontest, 254 00:17:15,768 --> 00:17:18,304 one word. 255 00:17:18,304 --> 00:17:21,073 So thank you all again for being here. 256 00:17:21,073 --> 00:17:24,844 I encourage you to stay and enjoy the other activities and 257 00:17:24,844 --> 00:17:27,113 presentations throughout the day. 258 00:17:27,113 --> 00:17:32,118 And with that, let me turn it over to our Commissioner of Trademarks, 259 00:17:32,118 --> 00:17:35,254 Mary Denison who will introduce our key note speaker. 260 00:17:35,254 --> 00:17:35,922 Thank you. 261 00:17:35,922 --> 00:17:42,194 (Applause) >> MARY BONEY DENISON: Thank you. 262 00:17:42,194 --> 00:17:45,665 Let me take a moment to correct an error. 263 00:17:45,665 --> 00:17:50,236 I forgot to credit the owner of the copyrighted video we used 264 00:17:50,236 --> 00:17:54,206 Daniel T Allan from Sovev Media thank you very much. 265 00:17:54,206 --> 00:17:59,111 Now it is my honor to introduce Kareem Abdul?Jabbar, the greatest 266 00:17:59,111 --> 00:18:01,814 basketball player in history. 267 00:18:01,814 --> 00:18:04,650 We are so honored to have him here today. 268 00:18:04,650 --> 00:18:09,388 He retired from the NBA after playing a record 20 seasons as well 269 00:18:09,388 --> 00:18:13,392 as setting records for points scored, games played, minutes 270 00:18:13,392 --> 00:18:17,396 played, blocked shots and defensive rebounds. 271 00:18:17,396 --> 00:18:26,973 He was also a record six time NBA MVP and 19 time NBA all star, a 15 272 00:18:26,973 --> 00:18:34,447 time all-NBA selection and an 11 time all defensive team member. 273 00:18:34,447 --> 00:18:39,685 Since retiring from the NBA he has been active as an education advocate, 274 00:18:39,685 --> 00:18:42,888 writer of social commentary, novels, history books. 275 00:18:42,888 --> 00:18:48,227 He's written 15 books including his most recent New York Times best 276 00:18:48,227 --> 00:18:53,733 sellers Coach Wooden and Me, our 50?year Friendship On and Off the Court 277 00:18:53,733 --> 00:18:58,104 and Becoming Kareem, Growing Up On and Off the Court. 278 00:18:58,104 --> 00:19:03,275 Mr. Abdul?Jabbar also produced a documentary adaptation of 279 00:19:03,275 --> 00:19:04,610 On the Shoulders of Giants 280 00:19:04,610 --> 00:19:08,214 which won a NAACP image award. 281 00:19:08,214 --> 00:19:12,418 Of particular interest on this day ?? excuse me ?? championing 282 00:19:12,418 --> 00:19:15,721 intellectual property rights, it's important to note that he's written 283 00:19:15,721 --> 00:19:18,891 a book called What Color is My World? 284 00:19:18,891 --> 00:19:23,663 The Lost History of African American inventors. 285 00:19:23,663 --> 00:19:27,233 In October he'll have another novel coming out. 286 00:19:27,233 --> 00:19:32,304 In 2016 President Obama awarded him The Presidential Medal of Freedom, 287 00:19:32,304 --> 00:19:36,909 the highest honor for civilians. 288 00:19:36,909 --> 00:19:41,247 He's here to talk about the importance and fun of trademarks 289 00:19:41,247 --> 00:19:44,116 and intellectual property. Without further ado, 290 00:19:44,116 --> 00:19:48,120 please join me in welcoming the legendary Kareem Abdul?Jabbar. 291 00:19:48,120 --> 00:19:58,431 (Applause) 292 00:19:58,431 --> 00:19:59,932 >> KAREEM ABDUL?JABBAR: Thank you, Commissioner Denison and 293 00:19:59,932 --> 00:20:03,502 good afternoon, everyone. It's really great to be back 294 00:20:03,502 --> 00:20:06,739 here at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History 295 00:20:06,739 --> 00:20:09,809 to talk about the importance of intellectual property 296 00:20:09,809 --> 00:20:13,379 and trademarks in particular. 297 00:20:13,379 --> 00:20:16,882 I was really pleased to be asked to participate in a National Trademark 298 00:20:16,882 --> 00:20:23,222 Exposition so I could talk to you about why trademarks matter. 299 00:20:23,222 --> 00:20:25,558 Let's start at the beginning. 300 00:20:25,558 --> 00:20:30,096 Trademarks are product names or names of services. 301 00:20:30,096 --> 00:20:30,763 Look around you. 302 00:20:30,763 --> 00:20:35,101 We have a bunch of exhibiters here today who all own 303 00:20:35,101 --> 00:20:37,103 trademark registrations. 304 00:20:37,103 --> 00:20:41,073 I even own a trademark registration for my name. 305 00:20:41,073 --> 00:20:44,410 I'll talk more about that in a minute. 306 00:20:44,410 --> 00:20:47,113 I'd like to take a moment to give you a few reasons why you should 307 00:20:47,113 --> 00:20:53,919 take ?? why you should pay attention to the issue of trademarks. 308 00:20:53,919 --> 00:20:59,458 First, trademarks are a form of consumer protection. 309 00:20:59,458 --> 00:21:03,229 Trademarks let customers know the source of products and 310 00:21:03,229 --> 00:21:05,965 the services in the marketplace. 311 00:21:05,965 --> 00:21:08,968 Potential customers want to know that the T?shirt or computer 312 00:21:08,968 --> 00:21:14,173 software that they are considering buying is the specific product that 313 00:21:14,173 --> 00:21:16,308 they want. 314 00:21:16,308 --> 00:21:20,079 Customers want to know the product they seek is real and the quality 315 00:21:20,079 --> 00:21:24,116 that they have come to associate with that trademark, not a knockoff 316 00:21:24,116 --> 00:21:26,819 from someone else. 317 00:21:26,819 --> 00:21:29,789 So one critical thing that a trademark offers is 318 00:21:29,789 --> 00:21:31,524 consumer protection. 319 00:21:31,524 --> 00:21:35,895 Second, trademarks enable you to build a brand for your product, 320 00:21:35,895 --> 00:21:39,532 especially today via social media. 321 00:21:39,532 --> 00:21:41,400 And trademarks add value. 322 00:21:41,400 --> 00:21:47,439 In some cases your trademark might be just ?? might just be the most 323 00:21:47,439 --> 00:21:50,543 valuable piece of property that you own. 324 00:21:50,543 --> 00:21:54,547 The most valuable trademark in the world is Apple trademark which was 325 00:21:54,547 --> 00:22:00,085 valued in the 2017 Interbrand survey at over $180 billion. 326 00:22:00,085 --> 00:22:04,557 I know that my trademark is not worth that much. 327 00:22:04,557 --> 00:22:09,128 (Laughter) >> KAREEM ABDUL?JABBAR: But it's still very valuable and can 328 00:22:09,128 --> 00:22:12,031 keep consumers buying my product. 329 00:22:12,031 --> 00:22:15,367 Trademarks can add a lot of value to your business. 330 00:22:15,367 --> 00:22:19,572 Third, trademarks can be recognized around the globe and therefore they 331 00:22:19,572 --> 00:22:23,475 transcend language, culture, and borders. 332 00:22:23,475 --> 00:22:26,612 Whenever I travel overseas, I'm always interested in seeing what 333 00:22:26,612 --> 00:22:30,916 American brands I can spot even when I can't read the language. 334 00:22:30,916 --> 00:22:36,155 I can always spot McDonald's golden arches or the Starbucks mermaid. 335 00:22:36,155 --> 00:22:40,426 Finally I know firsthand the importance and value of a trademark. 336 00:22:40,426 --> 00:22:43,829 As I mentioned a moment ago I have a registration for my name, 337 00:22:43,829 --> 00:22:45,731 Kareem Abdul?Jabbar. 338 00:22:45,731 --> 00:22:50,536 I use it to sell T?shirts, jerseys, socks, shoes, et cetera. 339 00:22:50,536 --> 00:22:55,541 More importantly I use my brand to promote good works. 340 00:22:55,541 --> 00:23:00,479 One of my favorite causes is my nonprofit The Skyhook Foundation. 341 00:23:00,479 --> 00:23:04,950 When many of you hear the term skyhook associated with my name, 342 00:23:04,950 --> 00:23:08,020 you likely think of the basketball shot I became 343 00:23:08,020 --> 00:23:09,788 known for perfecting when I played in the NBA. 344 00:23:09,788 --> 00:23:12,992 The shot that couldn't be blocked. 345 00:23:12,992 --> 00:23:16,428 It's how have some come to describe it. 346 00:23:16,428 --> 00:23:19,898 From that shot my foundation's mission was created to give kids a 347 00:23:19,898 --> 00:23:22,768 shot that could not be blocked. 348 00:23:22,768 --> 00:23:25,571 I try to do this by bringing educational opportunities to 349 00:23:25,571 --> 00:23:27,706 underserved communities. 350 00:23:27,706 --> 00:23:31,710 One of the ways we accomplish this is through Camp Skyhook where we 351 00:23:31,710 --> 00:23:33,612 bring 4th and 5th graders to a camp in the 352 00:23:33,612 --> 00:23:36,715 Angeles National Forest for five days during the school week and 353 00:23:36,715 --> 00:23:41,720 let them learn about nature and give them hands-on experience 354 00:23:41,720 --> 00:23:45,958 with science, technology, engineering, and math, known as 355 00:23:45,958 --> 00:23:47,693 STEM. 356 00:23:47,693 --> 00:23:51,597 The STEM field contributes so much to the world and those who work in 357 00:23:51,597 --> 00:23:56,001 these areas should be revered as heroes in our society. 358 00:23:56,001 --> 00:23:59,872 As we all know, there can only be a few superstars in sports or 359 00:23:59,872 --> 00:24:01,073 entertainment. 360 00:24:01,073 --> 00:24:06,178 But the opportunities for those in STEM fields is truly limitless. 361 00:24:06,178 --> 00:24:09,848 To generate interest, excitement, and enthusiasm among our kids for 362 00:24:09,848 --> 00:24:15,354 science, technology, engineering, and math, we have to enable them to 363 00:24:15,354 --> 00:24:18,057 see themselves in a STEM role. 364 00:24:18,057 --> 00:24:22,494 We try to encourage them and provide opportunities to learn more. 365 00:24:22,494 --> 00:24:27,333 We need our kids to have role models other than rap stars, reality stars 366 00:24:27,333 --> 00:24:29,735 or basketball stars. 367 00:24:29,735 --> 00:24:33,605 I've never considered myself ?? I've never considered my basketball 368 00:24:33,605 --> 00:24:36,208 skills to be my greatest asset. 369 00:24:36,208 --> 00:24:39,778 I've always considered my greatest asset to be my mind. 370 00:24:39,778 --> 00:24:42,581 We need to get kids thinking that way. 371 00:24:42,581 --> 00:24:46,051 It is great for kids to have athletic aspirations but not at the 372 00:24:46,051 --> 00:24:49,088 expense of their education. 373 00:24:49,088 --> 00:24:52,658 Too often in our culture we treat entertainers, musicians and athletes 374 00:24:52,658 --> 00:24:57,229 as heroes and forget to highlight the real heroes our countries 375 00:24:57,229 --> 00:25:00,265 inventors and innovators who make a difference in the 376 00:25:00,265 --> 00:25:03,535 world today and in the future through their curiosity, 377 00:25:03,535 --> 00:25:07,906 resourcefulness, perseverance and innovation. 378 00:25:07,906 --> 00:25:11,343 Although innovation affects every aspect of our daily lives, we never 379 00:25:11,343 --> 00:25:16,115 seem to stop and appreciate the contributions of our nation's inventors 380 00:25:16,115 --> 00:25:20,619 we also don't take time to highlight the diversity of inventors. 381 00:25:20,619 --> 00:25:24,022 Children need to see that people who look like them have been able to 382 00:25:24,022 --> 00:25:29,028 achieve success by celebrating the contributions of inventors we help 383 00:25:29,028 --> 00:25:33,298 children see the value in invention and hopefully aspire to become 384 00:25:33,298 --> 00:25:35,634 inventors themselves. 385 00:25:35,634 --> 00:25:39,438 I consider it my responsibility to use my trademark, Kareem 386 00:25:39,438 --> 00:25:43,375 Abdul?Jabbar, to make this world a better place. 387 00:25:43,375 --> 00:25:46,712 But it is the responsibility of all of us to inspire future generations 388 00:25:46,712 --> 00:25:51,383 to pursue careers in STEM and to find ways to give them access to 389 00:25:51,383 --> 00:25:56,388 information and opportunities to experiences in that ?? to experience 390 00:25:56,388 --> 00:25:58,690 jobs in that field. 391 00:25:58,690 --> 00:26:03,529 By encouraging interests in STEM careers we improve the future and we 392 00:26:03,529 --> 00:26:07,633 give our children an opportunity at changing the world by giving them a 393 00:26:07,633 --> 00:26:10,202 shot that can't be blocked. 394 00:26:10,202 --> 00:26:14,273 Thank you so much and now, let's cut that ribbon. 395 00:26:14,273 --> 00:00:00,000 (Applause)