Dalton, GA. Apr. 7--The Carpet & Rug Institute reported that the Georgia Congressional delegation is going to the mat for its carpet and rug makers.
"In some instances, Chinese manufacturers engaged in pirating activities have produced architecture and design brochures that contain the exact photographs included in similar advertising material used by the American manufacturer," nine of the state's 13 representatives in the House wrote in a letter to Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans.
The focus of the textile piracy appears to have been designs in the commercial and hospitality sectors, the March 26 letter said. Rep. Charlie Norwood, R-GA, who signed the letter, said domestic carpet manufacturers have a right to know that "the very rug they're producing isn't being pulled out from underneath them globally."
The letter is intended to influence the U.S. position in future trade talks.
