The "PRO-IP Act" Of 2008

President Bush recently signed into law the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008, better known as the "PRO-IP Act." In addition to increasing penalties for certain forms of infringement of intellectual property, the Act will increase resources for the Department of Justice to enforce federal criminal laws protecting intellectual property and seek to promote better coordination among various federal and state agencies in combating counterfeiting and piracy.

The PRO-IP Act includes the following provisions, among others:

• Creation of an "IP Czar": A new position, the "Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator," will be appointed by the President. The new position replaces an inter-agency group that carried out the same function and is to be on a par with the U.S. Trade Representative and "Drug Czar." The duties of this "IP Czar" will include coordinating the efforts of various federal agencies to combat counterfeiting