United States 116th Congress Status: In Committee 1 R cosponsors

HR 4164 — Trademark Licensing Protection Act of 2019

Last action — Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

In plain language

The bill clarifies that trademark licensing does not establish an employment relationship.

This bill amends the Trademark Act to ensure that licensing a trademark to a related company doesn't create an employment relationship. It defines various terms related to control and relationships to protect trademark owners and related companies.

Summary

Trademark Licensing Protection Act of 2019 This bill establishes that licensing a trademark or trademark registration for use by a related company does not contribute to establishing an employment relationship between the licensor and the licensee, nor does a licensor's exercise of control over how the licensed trademark is used.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

6 changes Share ↗

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends the Trademark Act to clarify that licensing a mark to a related company does not establish an employment relationship between the mark owner and that related company or its employees.

  • 15 U.S.C. 1055

    Where a → (a) In General.--Where a

    The bill adds a subsection header for clarity.

  • 15 U.S.C. 1055

    (b) Consistency in Use.--

    The bill introduces a new subsection that defines terms related to licensing and employment.

  • 15 U.S.C. 1055

    ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection--...''

    This section provides definitions for various terms relevant to the relationship between mark owners and related companies.

  • 15 U.S.C. 1055

    ``(2) Applicability.--For the purposes of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.)...''

    This provision clarifies that certain factors related to licensing and control of a mark will not be construed as establishing an employment relationship.

  • 15 U.S.C. 1055

    ``(A) The licensing of the mark for use by that related company or the employees of that related company.''

    The bill specifies that merely licensing a trademark does not create an employment relationship.

  • 15 U.S.C. 1055

    ``(B) Any exercise of control over the mark by that owner or authorizing person, as applicable...''

    It establishes that exercising control over a mark for brand integrity does not imply an employment relationship.

Action History

  1. Introduced in House

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  4. Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

What does HR 4164 do?
Trademark Licensing Protection Act of 2019 This bill establishes that licensing a trademark or trademark registration for use by a related company does not contribute to establishing an employment relationship between the licensor and the licensee, nor does a licensor's exercise of control over how the licensed trademark is used.
Who sponsors HR 4164?
HR 4164 is sponsored by Chabot, Steve (Republican).
What is the current status of HR 4164?
This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HR 4164?
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