Chamber Praises President's Signing of Anti-Counterfeiting Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Bruce Josten, executive vice president for Government Affairs at the United States Chamber of Commerce, today praised President Bush for promptly signing into law H.R. 32, the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act.

"This law will help make the world a miserable place for counterfeiters. It is an important step in closing loopholes and providing much-needed tools to enhance criminal enforcement efforts.

"The Chamber, along with the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy, made a major effort to win passage of this bill because it will help stem a growing tide of counterfeiting and piracy. The size and scope of this problem is enormous. It is damaging our economy, eliminating American jobs, and threatening our health and safety. Whether it is fake medicine, brake pads, or batteries, the theft of hardworking people's intellectual property has got to stop.

"The signing of this bill is an important step. Next, we need greater coordination among enforcement agencies to enforce the laws on the books and bring these criminals who engage in counterfeiting and piracy to justice. Our country also needs to acknowledge and include these new anti-counterfeiting and piracy protections in all future Free Trade Agreements.

"Counterfeiting and piracy is a top priority for the Chamber. Our three-part strategy to bring these criminals to justice includes education, enforcement support, and international engagement."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than
3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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