U.S. Chamber Commends House Passage of Patent Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 1249, the America Invents Act, an important piece of legislation that would help ensure the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has the necessary resources to revitalize America’s patent system.

“By passing this bill, the House has taken meaningful action to ensure America’s patent system continues to encourage innovation, create jobs, and bolster the U.S. economy,” said Bruce Josten, Chamber’s executive vice president for Government Affairs. “The ball is now in the Senate’s court to make sure that this Congress is remembered for taking the necessary steps to protect America’s role as a global leader in innovation.”

Intellectual property (IP) is a cornerstone of America’s economy, with IP-intensive industries employing more than 19 million workers, generating nearly $7.7 trillion in gross output, and accountable for 60% of total U.S.

Tags: legislation, patent

U.S. Chamber Praises Senate Action to Move Forward with PROTECT IP Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.—David Hirschmann, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center, released the following statement today commending the Senate Judiciary Committee’s unanimous passage of the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act (S. 968).

“Today’s decisive action by the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve the PROTECT IP Act sends a clear message that rogue sites—those devoted to the sale of counterfeit goods or distribution of pirated content—have no place in the legitimate marketplace. We commend Chairman Leahy and the committee for taking a firm stance in defense of American jobs, consumer safety, and a vibrant Internet.

“Rogue sites and their operators contribute nothing to the U.S. economy. They do not innovate, they do not pay taxes, they do not follow safety standards, and they do not follow the law.

Tags: legislation, Rogue sites

Senate Judiciary Approves PROTECT IP Act

Broadcasting & Cable

The Senate Judiciary Committee didn’t waste any time passing the PROTECT IP Act in a markup Thursday. The bill takes aim at rogue overseas web sites pirating content, including TV shows and movies.

It is supported by the major studios, unions, broadcasters and cable operators, but fair use fans still have issues with what they say are overbroad powers that could send the wrong signal to foreign governments.

“We applaud the Senate Judiciary Committee for its quick approval of the PROTECT IP Act of 2011 and we urge the Senate to pass this important legislation this year,” said National Cable & Telecommunications Association President Michael Powell.

Tags: legislation, Rogue sites

Senate Committee Passes Bill Targeting Sites With Pirated Content

Hollywood Reporter

NEW YORK – The U.S. Senate’s judiciary committee on Thursday unanimously passed the bipartisan Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act, key anti-piracy legislation that the MPAA and other industry groups have been supporting .

The move is a key step for the proposal as it means that the bill, which particularly targets so-called rogue sites, is cleared to move to a discussion and then vote on the full Senate floor. This next step is expected in the next couple of months.

Members of the House of Representatives have also been looking to introduce similar legislation.

“Today’s decisive action by the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve the PROTECT IP Act sends a clear message that rogue sites – those devoted to the sale of counterfeit goods or distribution of pirated content – have no place in the legitimate marketplace,” said David Hirschmann, president and CEO of the U.S.

Tags: legislation, Rogue sites

PROTECT IP Act Moves Forward

Managing Intellectual Property

The Senate Judiciary Committee has passed the PROTECT IP Act, which would grant the US attorney general broad powers to targetweb sites featuring pirated content and counterfeit goods… [subscription required]

Tags: legislation, Rogue sites

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U.S. Chamber Commends House Passage of Patent Bill