[Upd-discuss] U.S. Chamber Files Comments on Copyrights

[robert weissman]

Richard Stallman wrote:
> Could you post a brief summary of what they said?
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The regs governing the recordation, detention and seizure procedures can 
be found at 19 CFR Section 133 et seq. Teh regs are fairly evenly split 
between addressing the importation of counterfeit and gray market goods 
that violate US trademark law and the importation of "piratical" goods 
that violate US copyright law.

The Chamber goes on to applaud various provisions of the regs, and then 
asks for more:

Regs are good for copyrighted goods, "we would also like to remind the 
CBP [Bureau of Customs and Border Protection} that addressing the 
importation of counterfeit goods is also critically important to our 
nation's competitiveness andsafety. As you are aware, such goods can, in 
some instanced, pose a threat to the public -- counterfeit 
pharmaceuticals, health care products and mechanical parts are examples 
of this threat."

- Provisions on disclosure of info regarding seized shipments. These 
could be revised so that trademarks are also covered.
- Bond requirement waiver could be applied to trademark as well as 
copyright.
- Same for detention of suspected goods -- should cover trademark 
infringing goods as well as copyright

Conclusion:
"Overall, the proposed amendments to the CBP regs are welcome changes in 
that they give CBP greater tools to combat the problems of international 
piracy."