WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 15, 2005 - The Electronic Industries Alliance commended the Senate for recently passing legislation that will strengthen anti-counterfeiting laws in the U.S. The legislation, the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act (S. 1699) is similar to legislation (H.R. 32) passed by the House of Representatives in May, and EIA urges the House to swiftly take up the Senate-passed bill and send it to the President for enactment this year.

"U.S. high-tech companies selling goods and services in the global marketplace are contending with more and more counterfeiting and intellectual property (IP) theft," EIA President & CEO Dave McCurdy noted. "The Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act will address this concern by deterring counterfeiting in the U.S. and signal our seriousness about our intent to rid international trade of counterfeiting and IP theft. We applaud Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter, Ranking Minority Member Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and the 15 other Members who were co-sponsors of this bill."

S. 1699 prohibits the trafficking in counterfeit labels, patches, stickers, hang tags, or medallions that are unattached to goods. In addition, the bill makes mandatory the forfeiture and destruction of counterfeit goods, as well as the assets used to produce, package, and distribute them. It also requires the forfeiture of property and assets derived from counterfeiting.

As EIA noted in its innovation playbook, The Technology Industry at an Innovation Crossroads, assurance that IP rights will be respected and protected is a major factor in encouraging business participation in international markets. A member of the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (www.thecacp.com), EIA believes S. 1699 can help high-tech companies protect IP by closing loopholes that allow counterfeiters to avoid prosecution and profit from their illegal activities. S. 1699 can also be used as a model by other nations wishing to craft their own counterfeiting and IP theft laws.

For more information on EIA's IP protection policy recommendations and other proposals to bolster innovation in the U.S., download EIA's Innovation Playbook at www.eia.org/playbook

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About EIA: The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is the leading advocate in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. high-tech industry. The Alliance, which traces its origins to the Radio Manufacturers Association (chartered in 1924), is a partnership of electronic and high-tech associations and companies whose mission is to promote the market development and competitiveness of the $400 billion U.S. high-tech and electronics industries through domestic and international policy efforts. EIA's corporate members - nearly 1,300 - provide products and services ranging from microscopic electronic components to state-of-the-art defense, space and industry high-tech systems, as well as the full range of telecommunications and consumer electronics products. Headquartered in Arlington, Va., the Alliance is made up of the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA); the Government Electronics & Information Technology Association (GEIA); JEDEC; the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA); and leading consumer electronics companies who participate in EIA's Environmental Issues Council. EIA is also heavily involved in cyber security issues through the Internet Security Alliance (ISAlliance), and education issues, through the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).