From AAIA Capital Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate passed by voice vote Sept. 26 legislation aimed at improving anti-counterfeiting enforcement. Similar to legislation passed by the House last May, the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act of 2008 (S. 3325) would eliminate the registration requirement for a copyright work before criminal infringement lawsuit could be brought; harmonize forfeiture provisions that apply in cases of criminal copyright infringement with those concerning trademarks; and create a new intellectual property enforcement coordinator in the Executive Office of the President to coordinate inter-agency enforcement of intellectual property rights.

The version that was passed by the Senate did not include a provision opposed by the White House that would have permitted federal prosecutors to add civil claims of infringement against those already charged with criminal violations.

The Senate-passed bill was sent back to the House for final passage before being sent over to the president.