The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has been granted a trademark renewal for NMEA 2000®, the standard that facilitates networking of marine electronics on recreational and commercial vessels.

A certificate issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office says that the trademark covers software, instructional materials, and the development of standards for promoting the interests of the marine electronics industry, as well as accreditation services, including the developing and administering of standards for certifying professionals in the field. The certificate is signed by David Kappos, director of the Patent and Trademark Office.

"When a company certifies a product, at that point they are allowed to use the NMEA 2000® logo, which identifies that the product has been validated and has met stringent requirements for NMEA 2000® certification," said Steve Spitzer, NMEA's Technical Director. "The NMEA 2000® logo assures the boater that the product he or she is purchasing will reliably perform all the functions that are made possible by the NMEA 2000® standard."

Among the benefits that NMEA 2000® provides to boat builders and the marine trades are increased profitability, reduced cost, and flexibility of installations when installing electronics on boats. In addition, NMEA 2000® offers customers a broad selection of electronics products that can be integrated comprehensively in their boats, using the NMEA 2000® network.

The NMEA 2000® Network was developed by the National Marine Electronics Association, with participation by a number of companies inside and outside the boating industry, and with the aid of the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center.

For boating consumers, NMEA 2000® opens up a new world of marine electronics. The system offers the possibility of "plug and play" when on-board product requirements change, along with high reliability and certified products from a growing list of manufacturers.

The NMEA 2000® Network was developed by, and is maintained by, a diverse group of leading marine electronics, engine, and electrical manufacturers, under the guidance of the NMEA. For more information, visit the NMEA website at www.NMEA.org