Brand counterfeit clothing items seized by authorities are now to be distributed to people in need in the North Country and around the state instead of being destroyed.

“While I support laws that punish those who steal intellectual property, it bothers me terribly that our only solution, to this point, was to destroy the counterfeit items,” said Sen. Joseph Griffo (R-Rome), sponsor of the bill.

At a press conference on the bill, Griffo, whose 47th Senate District includes the towns of Massena, Brasher, Norfolk, Stockholm, Potsdam, Pierrepont, Russell, Clifton, Fine, and Pitcairn in St. Lawrence County, plus Lewis and Oneida counties, thanked Gov. Andrew Cuomo for signing the bill.

“There are individuals in my district – and across the state – who are desperate for new clothing. We can ensure that trademarks are upheld, while giving someone a warm coat or a new pair of boots at the same time,” Griffo said.

The bill, which takes effect immediately, gives a judge the option to order that the imitation clothes be donated to a non-profit organization with an established history of service to the poor. The court would give the merchandise company who had its items counterfeited 30 days to oppose the donation. After 30 days, the court would distribute the clothes. The clothes could not be resold and any counterfeit marks or tags would be removed.