new law stiffens penalties on counterfeit products - electrical appliance suppliers

President Bush signed a bill Thursday to impose tougher penalties on counterfeit goods.
The law "protects the hard work of American innovators," the president said ".
"Counterfeiting weakens competition in good faith and rewards illegal competition.
According to US media reports, manufacturers lose about $200 billion a year for counterfeit products. S.
Customs and Border Protection.
The crackdown involves various products such as auto parts, electrical appliances, medicines, tools, toys, office equipment, clothing, etc. The U. S.
The auto parts industry is a major supporter of the law, arguing that counterfeit goods, such as brake pads made of wood chips, pose a threat to public health and safety.
The new law requires the destruction of machines, tools and supplies for the production of counterfeit goods.
It also prohibits the sale of counterfeit labels, patches and medals that can be attached to ordinary goods, making counterfeit products look authentic. The U. S.
The Sentencing Commission must also strengthen the definition of "trafficking" by including recordings of live performances, computer programs and music videos.
To inject more teeth into the law. S.
Trade negotiators are demanding a tougher response.
Supporters say counterfeit measures come from trading partners.