Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard addressed more than 50 members of the fashion community participating in a seminar entitled “The True Cost of Fashion Counterfeits” held at the California Market Center. The event was co-sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the California Fashion Association. During her remarks, the congresswoman, who represents the Fashion District, discussed the devastating effect of counterfeiting a brand or product on the nation’s fashion industry, including in Los Angeles where retailers, according to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., have lost an estimated $2 billion in sales and more than 100,000 jobs. The congresswoman also discussed congressional efforts to counter the theft, including final passage last year of the Stop Counterfeiting Goods in Manufacturing Act of 2006 which makes it illegal to reproduce tags and labels without authorization. Pictured in the photos: Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard with Ilse Metchek, Executive Director of the California Fashion Association (on right).

The following is the complete text of the congresswoman’s remarks:

"It is my pleasure to welcome you and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to the 34th Congressional district.

"I am very pleased that the Los Angeles Fashion District is the site of this important seminar on counterfeiting and piracy.

"As many of you may know, the L.A. Fashion District is the heart and soul of apparel retail in California.

"And the California Market Center, is the "hub" of its 90 city blocks with nearly 10,000 product lines, displayed in more than 1,000 showrooms.

"L.A.’s fashion industry is critical to the economy of Los Angeles, the state of California and our nation.

"With an estimated business volume of nearly six billion dollars and sixty six thousand jobs, it is the economic engine moving forward the exciting revitalization of downtown Los Angeles.

"The L. A. Fashion District is also the critical component that makes California’s fashion industry the largest in the country.

"It exceeds New York in apparel and textile employment by more than forty-five thousand employees and generates $24.1 billion in wholesale volume.

"Protecting the many talents and contributions of the fashion industry in Los Angeles and throughout the nation, is critical to the economic stability of our country.

"I welcome tonight’s panelists and thank them for being here to share their insights on the True Cost of Fashion Counterfeits.

"While we have all heard the oft-used phrase that imitation is the highest form of flattery, counterfeiting a brand or product clearly has a devastating affect on our nation’s fashion industry.

"A recent report by the L. A. County Economic Development Corporation reveals that Los Angeles retailers lost $2 billion dollars in sales and 106 thousand jobs due to the sale of counterfeited items.

"In addition, while it may drive a trend, the reality is that counterfeiting forces trademarked goods below market value.

"Counterfeiting also undermines the creative work of designers by making it difficult, if not impossible to build and maintain a loyal clientele.

"Counterfeited goods can be very dangerous.

"Using dyes, chemicals, or adhesives that are unsafe can have an adverse impact on the health of employees, retailers and consumers alike.

"To address effectively these and other serious threats to our nation’s fashion industry, a stronger partnership must be forged between stakeholders like yourselves and elected officials.

"Therefore, I commend you for being here this evening to share your expertise and gain insights on how to protect your industry and work with elected officials to develop innovative policies to insulate the fashion industry from counterfeiting and other destructive schemes.

"With the support of your industry, for example, last year Congress passed H.R. 32, The Stop Counterfeiting Goods in Manufacturing Act of 2006, making it illegal to reproduce tags and labels without authorization.

"While this law is a step in the right direction, the journey is far from complete.

"As you are aware, much remains to be done.

"Again, it is my honor to welcome you, and this evening’s panel of experts to the 34th congressional district.

"I look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure the talents and important contributions of your highly innovative and creative industry are protected and become an even stronger economic force in our economy."

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