WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce commended today’s introduction of the PROTECT IP Act, legislation that will crack down on websites dedicated to online piracy and counterfeiting. This measure will provide an enhanced legal tool against “rogue sites,” which steal American jobs and threaten consumers’ health and safety.

“Websites dedicated to trafficking in counterfeit products and digital theft dupe consumers, steal our jobs, and threaten the vibrant Internet marketplace,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “We commend Senator Leahy and the bill’s cosponsors for introducing this critical legislation to address the growing threats of counterfeiting and piracy over the Internet. Addressing this problem is a win-win-win—good for businesses that need to protect their IP online, good for America’s economy and jobs, and good for consumers who will benefit from both.”

The bipartisan PROTECT IP Act is sponsored by Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Herb Kohl (D-WI). America’s IP industries account for more than $7.7 trillion of the U.S. GDP, drive 60% of U.S. exports, and employ more than 19 million Americans.

“We cannot continue to allow criminals to run these enterprises at the expense of hardworking Americans, the entrepreneurs that start businesses, and those that bring their creative ideas to life,” Donohue said.

“The Internet, like all marketplaces, needs rules to protect people from fraud and theft. The PROTECT IP Act is a balanced approach that will help crack down on truly rogue sites while facilitating the continued growth of the Internet as a safe, vibrant marketplace. The Chamber looks forward to working with Congressional leadership throughout the legislative process to support the passage of a bill that will effectively deal with this growing problem.”

For more information on this legislation and the campaign against online theft, please visit www.fightonlinetheft.com.

The Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion intellectual property (IP) 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.