NEMA applauds passage of anti-counterfeiting legislation
NEMA likes that the U.S. Congress passed anti-counterfeiting legislation. If signed into law, it could help with a variety of issues facing manufacturers, including safety.
Rosslyn, VA — National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) applauds Congress’ ratification of the 2008 Intellectual Property Rights Protection (IPR) Act. The Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent September 26; the House voted in favor by 381-41 on September 28. The new law improves coordination among U.S. agencies and the government’s overall anti-counterfeiting enforcement. (See background information about intellectual property rights and why they matter from the U.S. Department of State. Also read: Counterfeit breakers: Square D imitations create hazards, claims Schneider Electric .)
“With our country facing a growing counterfeit electrical equipment problem that threatens both public safety and our sector’s competitiveness, we very much appreciate the Hill’s taking the time, amidst the financial crisis, to pass this legislation,” said NEMA president and CEO Evan Gaddis
The 2008 IPR Act codifies and enhances the Administration initiative to coordinate government efforts to stop organized piracy and counterfeiting, establishing an IPR coordinator position in the White House, and dedicating FBI and prosecutorial resources for anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy enforcement. In copyright infringement cases, the act harmonizes the power of the courts to seize illegal product and the equipment that makes it, building on trademark-counterfeiting case powers that the courts gained in 2006 as a result of NEMA-supported legislation that was signed by President Bush. It allows courts to enhance criminal penalties in situations where counterfeit products have caused harm to individuals.
As of Oct. 2,
— Control Engineering News Desk
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