U.S. Enacts Law Strengthening Both Civil and Criminal Laws Against Counterfeiting and Piracy

"On October 13, 2008, President George W. Bush signed the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property (PRO IP) Act. It strengthens both U.S. civil and criminal laws against counterfeiting and piracy. President Bush signed the new Act even though earlier he objected to a provision establishing an IP enforcement coordinator (IPEC) who will report directly to the president. The Act calls for the president to appoint an IPEC and for the Senate to confirm. The IPEC will be required to prepare a joint strategic plan to combat infringement and counterfeiting, including cooperation with foreign agencies, and will be required to submit an annual report"....[more]