WASHINGTON, DC - A bill that strengthens copyright and Intellectual Property (IP) protection was introduced in the Senate by Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Ranking Member Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) on July 24, 2008.
The Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act of 2008 is co-sponsored by Senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and George Voinovich (R-Ohio), a press release by the Office of Senator Patrick Leahy stated.
In a press conference on Capitol Hill, Leahy, Specter, Bayh and Voinovich highlighted key aspects of the legislation, which reflects a measured compromise of a number of IP proposals introduced during this Congress. Key among the legislation’s components are: authorization for the Attorney General to enforce civil copyright laws; enhancements to civil IP laws; enhancements to criminal IP laws; coordination and strategic planning of federal efforts against counterfeiting and piracy; and increased resources for key programs within the Department of Justice to combat IP theft.
The Act is to safeguard the economic health of the United States by improving the management, coordination and effectiveness of domestic and international Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) enforcement efforts.
The Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act is expected to be referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.