U.S Code last checked for updates: Jul 24, 2026
§ 1127.
Construction and definitions; intent of chapter

In the construction of this chapter, unless the contrary is plainly apparent from the context—

The United States includes and embraces all territory which is under its jurisdiction and control.

The word “commerce” means all commerce which may lawfully be regulated by Congress.

The term “principal register” refers to the register provided for by sections 1051 to 1072 of this title, and the term “supplemental register” refers to the register provided for by sections 1091 to 1096 of this title.

The term “person” and any other word or term used to designate the applicant or other entitled to a benefit or privilege or rendered liable under the provisions of this chapter includes a juristic person as well as a natural person. The term “juristic person” includes a firm, corporation, union, association, or other organization capable of suing and being sued in a court of law.

The term “person” also includes the United States, any agency or instrumentality thereof, or any individual, firm, or corporation acting for the United States and with the authorization and consent of the United States. The United States, any agency or instrumentality thereof, and any individual, firm, or corporation acting for the United States and with the authorization and consent of the United States, shall be subject to the provisions of this chapte

(July 5, 1946, ch. 540, title X, § 45, 60 Stat. 443; Pub. L. 87–772, § 21, Oct. 9, 1962, 76 Stat. 774; Pub. L. 93–596, § 1, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 98–620, title I, § 103, Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3335; Pub. L. 100–667, title I, § 134, Nov. 16, 1988, 102 Stat. 3946; Pub. L. 102–542, § 3(d), Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3568; Pub. L. 103–465, title V, § 521, Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4981; Pub. L. 104–98, § 4, Jan. 16, 1996, 109 Stat. 986; Pub. L. 106–43, §§ 4(c), 6(b), Aug. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 219, 220; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(9) [title III, § 3005, title IV, § 4732(b)(1)(A)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A–550, 1501A–583; Pub. L. 109–312, § 3(e), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1733.)
cite as: 15 USC 1127