Legal Definitions - Anticounterfeiting Consumer Protection Act

The Anticounterfeiting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) is a federal law that aims to prevent the counterfeiting of trademarks and copyrighted merchandise, such as computer programs, phonorecords, and motion pictures. The law makes it illegal to traffic in counterfeit goods and services, and provides for the seizure of such goods. It also imposes enhanced civil penalties for those who violate the law.

One example of the ACPA in action is when a company discovers that someone is selling counterfeit versions of their products. The company can take legal action under the ACPA to stop the sale of the counterfeit goods and seek damages from the seller.

Another example is when law enforcement officials seize a shipment of counterfeit goods at a port of entry. They can use the ACPA to prosecute those responsible for trafficking in the counterfeit goods.

These examples illustrate how the ACPA helps protect consumers from being deceived by counterfeit goods and helps businesses protect their intellectual property rights.