They Want Our Name!

It is often said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That is, unless that imitation runs afoul with federal trademark law.

Since the mid-90’s, Americans For Fair Taxation® has owned and utilizes several FairTax® trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

These trademarks have been an integral part of our public awareness campaign on the need for tax reform, and in our educational efforts to provide information regarding taxation, tax reform and HR 25 / SR 122, “The FairTax Act of 2013.”

Currently, in the state of Illinois, the “A Better Illinois” coalition and others are conducting a high-profile public awareness campaign themed, “A Fair Tax.” This tax reform plan promotes a differentiated tax system that subjects citizens to varying levels of income taxes.

This is in stark contrast to the FairTax®, which eliminates federal income taxes in their entirety, and replaces them with a single rate, national consumption tax.

Americans For Fair Taxation (AFFT) fully respects the right of individuals and organizations to advocate for the tax reform plan of their choice, using all lawful means.  We reject, however, any notion that advocacy initiatives may be conducted using any of (AFFT’s) federally protected marks, most especially when that advocacy causes confusion among consumers as is currently happening in the state of Illinois.

AFFT has spent nearly two decades building goodwill in and national recognition of the FairTax marks.

We will not allow that goodwill to be destroyed through any unauthorized usage of the same or confusingly similar marks for any tax reform plan except The FairTax – HR 25/S 122, and FairTax inspired and modeled state tax reform initiatives supported by state FairTax organizations.

We will always seek first to amicably resolve infringement situations while respecting AFFT’s exclusive right to use the FairTax marks; and when required, will initiate legal action to enforce our rights.

Until next week,

Cindy Canevaro
Executive Director