July 18: The solution for dwindling mall traffic may not be as elusive as retailers once thought. They may just need the help of some furry friends. The rapid takeoff of "Pokemon Go," a mobile gaming app that fuses the digital and physical worlds, "has the power to transform retail," Cowen & Co. analyst Oliver Chen told investors Thursday. ...That is, of course, if players can take their eyes off the screen long enough to browse the racks. (Source: CNBC) 

July 14: A growing number of apparel companies, ranging from outdoor and activewear to mass-market and high fashion, are touting their sustainability initiatives in 2016. Yet the use of environmentally preferred materials is still low. (Source: Sourcing Journal – login required)

July 13: Conflict minerals remain on industry's political agenda. The US House of Representatives has passed an appropriations bill, containing an amendment that would defund enforcement of the nation’s conflict minerals reporting rule. (Source: Chemical Watch)

July 15: What would you do with one billion dollars? That’s the question the fashion industry will collectively ask when the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement takes effect. One billion dollars is the amount of duty savings that the industry will realize the first year after the TPP enters into force. (Source: Apparel Magazine, by AAFA’s Steve Lamar)

July 15: He [Indiana Gov. Mike Pence] voted for the Central American Free Trade Agreement, as well as free trade deals with South Korea, Panama, Peru and Colombia, according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association. "He supported China’s entry into the WTO and has spoken forcefully about how trade creates jobs," said Rick Helfenbein, president and chief executive officer of AAFA. "His recognition of the important role that trade plays for the economy puts him squarely into mainstream thinking of the Republican party." (Source: Women’s Wear Daily – login required)

July 14: What world-changing behemoth that begins with the letter "C" presents the greatest threat to U.S. commercial and strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific region? Wrong. Even in the wake of this week’s potentially provocative tribunal ruling against Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, the greatest threat remains Congress, not China. (Source: Forbes)

July 19: The result of the EU Referendum or 'Brexit' has naturally left Intellectual Property (IP) rights holders concerned and confused over their current and future position...In the last few years, brand owners have seen a considerable shake-up of the EU Trade Mark Registration system...(Source: Lexology.com)

July 15: Every time a new haul of fake designer goods is seized we're told that the people who buy them are ruining the reputation of brands, stealing revenue from companies, contributing to an unethical labour market and subsidising organised crime. But is this really the case? A BBC investigation has found over the past two years, thousands of fake goods were seized from black markets across England. (Source: BBC News)

July 13: Countless articles have been devoted in recent years to the plethora of counterfeit goods available for purchase online and the burden that the widespread availability of such goods places on brand owners (and trademark holders). There has been extensive coverage of the lawsuits that luxury conglomerates have filed against Chinese e-commerce giant, Alibaba. ...What has not been discussed at length, however, is what appears to be something of a silver lining that is at play, a positive aspect – for brand owners, at least. (Source: The Fashion Law)

In Brief Week ahead in Austin: The AAFA team travels to Austin, TX this week for three important meetings including the AAFA Environmental Committee Meeting, AAFA Traceability Seminar, and the AAFA Social Responsibility Committee Meeting. We look forward to seeing many of you there! Take part in the conversation @apparelfootwear  #SupplyChain  #Sourcing Labeling update: Last week, AAFA unveiled our newest member-only resource: International Apparel & Footwear Labeling Matrix. On July 14, AAFA hosted a webinar for members to offer key insights into labeling guidelines for fiber, wool, textiles, and footwear. The webinar included representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, Compliance & Risks Ltd., Bureau Veritas, and SGS North America, Inc. A recording can be accessed by members here. To join AAFA’s Labeling mailing list, contact membership@aafaglobal.org Get involved! AAFA members get the most out of membership when they participate in our events and committees – join here. Congress and government agencies solicit comments on a range of issues that may affect your business – find a list of comment opportunities here.

Member Welcome: Foley Hoag LLP
Foley Hoag LLP is a full-service law firm with offices in Boston, New York, Paris, and Washington D.C. Foley Hoag attorneys handle all types of trademark, anti-counterfeiting, copyright, trade secret, Internet, and domain name issues for clients, as well as false advertising, defamation, and other unfair competition matters. The firm’s domestic and international trademark clients are leaders in a wide range of industries, including life sciences, fashion, jewelry, luxury goods, consumer products, technology, insurance and financial services, professional services, food and beverages, entertainment, and education.  

Visit our events calendar for all webinars and industry events. Be sure to save the date for AAFA's Executive Summit: March 1-2, 2017.

Other Industry Events

MAGIC/FN PLATFORM
August 16, 2016 | Las Vegas, NV

AAFA is pleased to present two sessions at MAGIC and FN PLATFORM 2016. Sessions will include "The Future of Footwear Policy: How Washington's Decisions Impact Sourcing and Selling in New Markets" and "Greening the Supply Chain," both on Tuesday, August 16.