Bush Signs Anti-Counterfeiting Law

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President Bush signed a measure into law Thursday aimed at reducing the number of counterfeit manufactured goods.

The Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act “strengthens our laws against trading counterfeit labels and packaging,” and “strengthens penalties for counterfeiters and gives prosecutors new tools to stop those who defraud American consumers,” Bush said at the bill’s signing ceremony.

Bush said the bill closed a loophole in the previous counterfeiting law, making it illegal to ship imitation goods. The legislation also requires courts to order the destruction of equipment used to manufacture knockoffs and requires that counterfeiters surrender any profits from the sale of imitation goods.

Business groups, like the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, hailed the bill’s signing as a positive step to protect U.S. businesses and consumers.