WASHINGTON, DC – The Innovation Alliance today applauded the introduction of The Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act of 2008, S. 3325, legislation designed to strengthen government efforts to enforce intellectual property (IP) rights and combat IP infringement.

The bill was introduced today by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Ranking Member Arlen Specter (R-PA). Original co-sponsors are Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and George Voinovich (R-OH).

According to the sponsors, the bill will authorize the U.S. Attorney General to enforce civil copyright laws; enhance civil IP laws; strengthen criminal IP laws; coordinate federal efforts against counterfeiting and piracy; and increase resources for key programs within the Department of Justice to combat IP theft.

“Intellectual property protection is the cornerstone of the U.S. innovation economy. Without strict enforcement, the American economy suffers and U.S. workers lose,” said Alliance spokesman Eric Thomas. “We believe copyright protection goes hand-in-hand with strict enforcement of U.S. patent law, which has been an engine for American innovation and creativity and has served the U.S. economy well. We are therefore very pleased to endorse the Senate bill introduced today.”