Intellectual Property Law

PRO-IP Bill Passes in House of Representatives

By Brian Wm. Higgin

     By an overwhelming majority, the House of Representatives on May 8, 2008, passed, by roll call vote, H.R. 4279, the "Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property (Pro-IP) Act of 2008." According to govtracks, the vote was held under a suspension of the rules to cut debate short and pass the bill (a move that needed a two-thirds majority). The totals were 408 Ayes, 11 Nays, 12 Present/Not Voting. The Pro-IP Act has the stated purpose "To enhance remedies for violations of intellectual property laws."

          Here's how Maryland's delegation voted:

• MD-1      Gilchrest, Wayne [R]:  No Vote     
• MD-2      Ruppersberger, C.A. [D]:  Aye
• MD-3      Sarbanes, John [D]:  Aye 
• MD-4      Wynn, Albert [D]:  Aye      
• MD-5      Hoyer, Steny [D]:  Aye
• MD-6      Bartlett, Roscoe [R]:  Aye
• MD-7      Cummings, Elijah [D]:  Aye 
• MD-8      Van Hollen, Christopher [D]:  Aye

     For more coverage of the legislation discussed previously on this website, click here. For coverage by others, see, for example, Counterfeit Chic ("Name is Destiny: Thumbs Up on Pro-IP Act"). 

Full post as published by Maryland Intellectual Property Law Blog on May 09, 2008 (boomark / email).