International Trade: U.S. Firms' Views on Customs' Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

摘要

Firms responding to GAO's surveys reported that counterfeit and infringing goods continued to enter the country, often in large quantities, after these firms had obtained Customs Service assistance in protecting their intellectual property rights (e.g., patents, trademarks, and copyrights). The firms also reported that these counterfeit and infringing imports caused lost sales and loss of consumer confidence in the legitimate products. They indicated that Customs' efforts were limited foremost by the availability of staff, a finding reflected in hearings held by the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. In addition, survey respondents supported several proposals to enhance the ability of the Customs Service's present staff to protect intellectual property rights.