119th (2025–2027)
S. 4902
The PROTECT Act amends federal trademark law to prevent private companies and organizations from registering trademarks that the Department of Defense or Armed Forces use for military awards, decorations, ribbons, and medals. The law only allows government agencies and departments to register and control these official military emblems as trademarks. However, the legislation includes a grandfather clause allowing individuals and organizations that were already using these marks before the law's enactment to continue their existing use, though they cannot register new trademark rights to these symbols going forward. This bill essentially protects the government's exclusive rights to its traditional military insignia and honors while preventing commercial exploitation of these symbols. The legislation contains no specific funding requirements or implementation timelines beyond its effective date upon enactment.