New U.S. action against intellectual property theft

A group of federal government agencies has banded together in the most ambitious plan yet to fight intellectual property theft. The agencies, which include the U.S. Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Commerce, as well as the U.S. Trade Representative, will focus on countries where piracy of patents, trademarks and copyrights, counterfeiting of goods, and other violations of intellectual property rights (IPR), have become widespread. The U.S. diplomatic missions in Hong Kong and Budapest will headquarter the effort for Asia and Eastern Europe, respectively.

Among other features, the plan will utilize cargo identification technology and procedures developed by the Department of Homeland Security to identify suspect goods. Serial IPR thieves also will be targeted.

The overall game plan is both impressive and detailed. To review it, please go to:

http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Fact_Sheets/2004/asset_upload_file507_6462.pdf