U.S. Chamber, Florida Attorney General, and Florida Legislators Get Tough on Counterfeiting

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Florida state legislature today introduced critical anti-counterfeiting legislation based on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, International Trademark Association (INTA), and International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) model state legislation. The bills, introduced by Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla and Representative Andy Gardiner, include increased penalties for repeat offenders, a tiered penalty system based on the value of goods manufactured, possessed, or sold, and increased penalties for criminals that traffic in goods that could cause bodily injury or death.

At a joint press conference with Attorney General Bill McCollum, Caroline Joiner, executive director of the Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center, expressed the importance of the legislation. "American innovation, jobs, and consumer health and safety are being hijacked by these crooks," she said. "Intellectual property theft is seen as a low-risk, high reward crime in America and it is time to give these criminals punishments that are equal to their crimes."

Counterfeiting and piracy are a global epidemic which cost the U.S. economy $250 billion annually and have led to the loss of more than 750,000 jobs. Reaching into every American community, counterfeiting and piracy endanger the public and cost states like Florida much-needed tax revenue for vital community projects. Counterfeit and pirated products run the gamut from fake prescription drugs to defective medical devices, faulty electrical appliances, batteries and machine tools, to pirated software and consumer products, such as apparel and personal hygiene products.

"We are extremely grateful for the leadership of Attorney General McCollum, Senator Diaz de la Portilla, and Representative Gardiner on this issue," said Joiner. "Strong commitment at the state level is critical to turn the tide of this growing threat to American jobs, health, and safety."

The Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion IP as a vital engine of global development, growth, and human progress. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce 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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