S. 2677: To expand the sharing of information with respect to suspected violations of intellectual property rights in trade.

This bill, titled S. 2677, focuses on enhancing the sharing of information regarding suspected violations of intellectual property rights related to trade. Below are the key provisions and changes outlined in the bill:

1. Expanded Definitions and Responsibilities

The bill proposes modifications to Section 628A of the Tariff Act of 1930. Key changes include:

• Reasonable Suspicion: The term "suspects" will be replaced with "has a reasonable suspicion," which suggests a higher standard for reporting issues.
• Information Scope: The information that can be shared now includes not just packaging but also packing materials and shipping containers.

2. Sharing of Nonpublic Information

The bill enables the sharing of nonpublic information about merchandise that has:

• Originated from online marketplaces, express consignment operators, freight forwarders, or other similar market platforms involved in the sale or importation of goods into the U.S.
• Been provided to, shared with, or obtained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

3. Involvement of Additional Parties

The bill expands the scope of potential interested parties who can receive information about suspected violations. New provisions allow for sharing information with:

• Any other party with a legitimate interest in the merchandise, as deemed appropriate by the Commissioner of Customs.

This bill aims to bolster the capacity of customs and border protection to identify and act against intellectual property rights violations by facilitating better communication and data sharing among various stakeholders involved in trade.

Relevant Companies