U.S. Chamber Applauds Senate for Moving Forward with Legislation to Cut Off Rogue Websites
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 Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeit Act (S. 3804).
“Today’s Senate action on legislation to combat online counterfeiting and digital theft is a major step forward for protecting American jobs and consumers. Rogue websites—those dedicated to selling counterfeit goods and/or pirating copyrighted materials—have no place in the legitimate online market. This bipartisan support for this common-sense legislation is mirrored by broad support in the business community and labor organizations.
“Criminals who operate these sites are profiting from others’ innovation and creativity. Their illegal activities cost the American economy billions of dollars and deprive creators of their livelihood.
“Today’s vote comes as Americans prepare to go online to do their holiday shopping in record numbers. This legislation is needed to help protect them from online predators whose websites are disguised to look legitimate, but who do not hesitate to sell dangerous fakes that pose serious health and safety risks or to steal consumers’ identity or infect their computers with malicious viruses.
“Senator Leahy’s ‘rogue sites’ bill is carefully crafted legislation that provides the Department of Justice enhanced legal tools to crack down on the very worst criminal websites to promote a safer, better Internet. This proactive legislation will facilitate continued innovation and creation, support consumer access to legitimate products and services, and safeguard consumers from rogue sites that break the law and harm unsuspecting consumers.
“We commend and thank Senators Leahy, Hatch, and the entire Senate Judiciary Committee for taking a significant step in the right direction to protect American jobs and consumers by moving this legislation forward.”
The Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion intellectual property rights as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth, and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
