To expand the sharing of information with respect to suspected violations of intellectual property rights in trade.
Summary
H.R. 4930 aims to enhance the sharing of information regarding suspected intellectual property rights violations in trade. The bill amends Section 628A of the Tariff Act of 1930 to broaden the scope of information sharing by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It allows CBP to share nonpublic information with rights holders and other parties with an interest in the merchandise.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to more effective enforcement of intellectual property rights at the border. This could reduce the flow of counterfeit goods into the United States. It also formalizes information sharing practices with online marketplaces and other entities involved in trade.
Potential Benefits
- Improved protection of intellectual property rights.
- Increased transparency in trade enforcement.
- Enhanced ability to combat counterfeit goods.
- Greater collaboration between CBP and private sector entities.
- Potentially reduced economic harm from intellectual property theft.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on CBP.
- Risk of accidental disclosure of sensitive business information.
- Possible chilling effect on legitimate trade due to increased scrutiny.
- Concerns about data privacy and security.
- Potential for misuse of information by rights holders.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. By strengthening intellectual property rights enforcement in trade, the bill supports fair trade practices and protects American businesses. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).