Menu Search Account

LegiStorm

Get LegiStorm App Visit Product Demo Website
» Get LegiStorm App
» Get LegiStorm Pro Free Demo

International Trade: Strengthening Trade Law Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

  Premium   Download PDF Now (92 pages)
Report Type Reports and Testimonies
Report Date Aug. 13, 1986
Report No. NSIAD-86-150
Subject
Summary:

GAO recommended ways to strengthen section 337 of the Tariff Act as a means for U.S. firms to protect their intellectual property rights against counterfeit and infringing imports.

GAO believes that, in order for section 337 to be more effective, Congress needs to: (1) increase access to section 337 relief by eliminating or redefining the statutory criteria for obtaining relief; (2) direct the International Trade Commission (ITC) to speed relief when complainants need expedited government assistance and when no respondents participate in the proceedings; (3) clarify ITC authority to issue both exclusion orders and cease-and-desist orders to remedy the same unfair trade practice; and (4) strengthen the U.S. Customs Service's ability to enforce section 337 exclusion orders.

« Return to search Government Accountability Office reports