U.S. Government adopted ‘Memorandum on combating trafficking in counterfeit and pirated goods’.

In its efforts to efficiently fight infringements of intellectual property rights (IPR), the US government has adopted a ‘Memorandum on combating trafficking in counterfeit and pirated goods’. The memorandum recognised once again the importance of the protection of intellectual property (IP) of US companies and its economy, considering that the USA is one of the countries that is most affected by IPR infringement. The memorandum sees co-operation in preventing the manufacture, importation, and sale of counterfeit and pirated goods as a priority for federal law enforcement agencies. It especially recognises the important role of intermediaries and their co-operation. Based on this memo, in the next 210 days, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in co-ordination with other relevant governmental bodies and relevant stakeholders, will prepare and submit a report to the President. The report should present relevant data about intermediaries’ role in IP infringement; evaluate existing procedures and policies about intermediaries and their role in IPR enforcement;  identify appropriate administrative, statutory, regulatory, or other changes, including enhanced enforcement actions, that could substantially reduce trafficking in counterfeit and pirated goods or promote more effective law enforcement regarding trafficking in such goods and all other measures that would be necessary in combating pirated and counterfeiting goods.