U.S. Chamber Commends Senate for Supporting Innovation by Passing Intellectual Property Bill

Donohue Urges Congress to Send IP Legislation to President Bush

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today commended the U.S. Senate for passing the PRO-IP Act, a bill that would bolster the federal government's ability to protect intellectual property (IP). Approved by unanimous consent, this legislation would toughen civil and criminal laws against counterfeiting and piracy, provide enhanced IP enforcement and prosecutorial resources, and improve IP coordination within the executive branch.

"It speaks volumes that efforts to protect American intellectual property have passed with over 400 votes in the House and unanimously in the Senate," said Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, upon passage of S. 3325, the "Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act."

"This is a win for both parties and, more importantly, for America's innovators, workers whose jobs rely on intellectual property, and consumers who depend on safe and effective products," he said.

"I commend both chambers for having passed strong intellectual property enforcement bills this year," Donohue said. "It is now time to take the final step by sending legislation to the President, who can leave a lasting legacy to support America's innovation economy by signing it into law."

The Senate bill was introduced in July 2008 by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Arlen Specter (R-PA). Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4279, the "PRO-IP Act," a similar bill championed by Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) that would strengthen IP rights and enforcement.

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.

# # #