MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Richard Maulsby or Ruth Nyblod Phone: (571) 272-8400 or Richard.maulsby@uspto.gov; ruth.nyblod@uspto.gov

May 06, 2009 #09-07

Commerce Secretary to Kickoff National Trademark Expo To Address Vital Role of Trademarks to the U.S. Economy Washington: U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke will kick off the United States Patent and Trademark Office's National Trademark Expo on Friday in Alexandria, Va. Locke will address the vital role trademarks play in our economy and the efforts to combat counterfeit goods, which cost America billions of dollars each year. He will be joined by Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property John Doll. The National Trademark Expo will feature educational workshops for adults and children, and a story time provided by Hooray for Books!, an Alexandria local business. Also on hand for the gala opening will be the U.S. Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass Quintet, 14 exhibitors and a cast of 25 costumed trademark characters. This year's collection of costumed trademark characters is the largest in the history of the Expo, including some that rarely make appearances outside their home venues. The parade of characters includes Betty Boop, Curious George, Dennis the Menace, Olive Oyl, Smokey Bear, the Grinch and Pillsbury Doughboy. Exhibitors include Burberry, Travelers, the Hershey Company, Callaway Golf and UPS, among others. The Expo is free, fun, and informative for the whole family. WHAT: 2009 National Trademark Expo WHO: Commerce Secretary Gary Locke WHEN: Address by Commerce Secretary Locke and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony May 8 at 10:00 a.m. Expo: Friday, May 8, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.          Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. WHERE: USPTO Campus Madison Building - Atrium 600 Dulany Street Alexandria, VA ###