Washington, D.C., March 16, 2006 - The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) applauded President Bush for his signing of H.R. 32, the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act, today.

"This is effective legislation that will enhance U.S. government efforts aimed at deterring the counterfeiting and theft of intellectual property, and we thank President Bush for signing this bill into law so quickly," EIA President Dave McCurdy said. "Intellectual property rights protection and counterfeiting deterrents are major issues for EIA's member companies, especially electronics components manufacturers."

The Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act 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.

In its innovation policy playbook, The Technology Industry at an Innovation Crossroads, EIA pointed out that assurance that intellectual property (IP) rights will be respected and protected is a major factor in encouraging business participation in international markets. Along with the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (www.thecacp.com), EIA was a strong advocate for passage of the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act, which is one key step in the battle against IP theft. U.S. trade negotiators have already begun using the language from the bill in bilateral agreements, and EIA hopes the Act 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 policy playbook at www.eia.org/playbook.

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).