The bill was introduced to tackle the problems being posed to the U.S. by product counterfeiters – including auto parts and tires.

Specifically, HR 4279 would double the penalties for counterfeiters whose actions result in injury or death, would increase resources for enforcement at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and create a permanent administration position dedicated to intellectual property protection.

Tom Donohue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, commended the legislation as a "crucial and substantive step to finding real solutions to thwart the growing plague of global intellectual property theft." The bill has also received the support of more than 500 businesses and trade associations, as well as organized labor, according to Donohue. (Tire Review/Akron)