PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jun 22, 1999
Trademark Amendments Act of 1999 - Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 (Lanham Act) to grant holders of famous trademarks the right to oppose or seek cancellation of a mark on both principal and supplemental registers that would cause dilution of their marks (under the Dilution Act). Specifies the exclusive proceeding for refusing registration of such a mark. Applies such amendment only to applications for registration filed on or after January 16, 1996.Authorizes a court to grant injunctive relief for violations of this Act, as well as damages for willful violations, and an order for delivery and destruction of any articles of the defendant which constitute a willful violation.Waives sovereign immunity for the Federal Government to grant private citizens and corporate entities the right to bring an action for trademark infringement against the United States, its agencies, and any entities or persons acting for the United States.Declares that in an action for trade dress infringement, where the matter sought to be protected is not registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the person who asserts trade dress protection has the burden of proving that the trade dress is not functional (that is, not commonly used by similar businesses, and thus eligible for protection).
People & committees
Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] · R–UT
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 106-43.
Became Public Law No: 106-43.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6363-6364)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6363-6364)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1259.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6363-6364)
Mr. Coble moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8191-8192; text: CR S8191-8192)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S8191-8192; text: CR S8191-8192)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 195.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7452-7455)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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