U.S. Chamber Celebrates Enactment of Intellectual Property Law

Donohue hails victory for America's innovation economy

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today hailed the PRO-IP Act becoming law, a major step toward improving the federal government's capacity to protect intellectual property (IP).

"For nearly eight years, this Administration has devoted considerable resources and energy to protect American innovation and intellectual property," said Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, following President Bush signing the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act. "By becoming law, the PRO-IP Act sends the message to IP criminals everywhere that the U.S. will go the extra mile to protect American innovation. Congress and President Bush have done their part to support America's innovators, workers and consumers, who all depend on intellectual property."

The PRO-IP Act toughens civil and criminal laws against counterfeiting and piracy, provides enhanced IP enforcement and prosecutorial resources, and improves IP coordination within the executive branch. S. 3325 was introduced in July 2008 by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Arlen Specter (R-PA), and passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The U.S. House of Representatives, which earlier passed a similar bill championed by Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX), approved the bill in September.

"The PRO-IP Act marks a signature achievement in protecting intellectual property," added Donohue. "We look forward to working with the next Congress and Administration to fully implement this law."

Intellectual property in the U.S. is worth more than $5 trillion, accounts for more than half of all U.S. exports, and helps drive 40% of U.S. economic growth. Intellectual property-intensive industries employ an estimated 18 million Americans.

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 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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