ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, July 6, 1996 TAG: 9607080032
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JEFF STURGEON
Counterfeiting has become a more serious crime, with - thanks to Roanoke congressman Bob Goodlatte - longer jail sentences and higher fines for those found guilty of illegal manufacture and trade of fake products.
A bill sponsored by Goodlatte was signed by President Clinton, the congressman's office said this week. The legislation addressed counterfeit items as diverse as airplane parts, baby formula and toys with dangerous defects.
Customs agents now can seize counterfeit goods at the border and destroy them. Before, they could only turn the goods away, according to Goodlatte's office.
Once suspected counterfeiters are taken to court, they face prosecution under the same procedures used against organized crime rings.
For every trademark violated, the offender can be fined $1 million, officials said. Under former laws, prosecutors had to prove companies hurt by counterfeits suffered economic losses, and fines were set at the amount of the loss.
The bill, according to the statement, "provides an important new way for the United States to combat China's piracy of our computer software, sound recordings and movies."
LENGTH: Short : 32 linesby CNB