The Intellectual Property Attache Act (IPAA) was unveiled by U.S. Representative Lamar S. Smith on July 9, 2012."Tech group execs rake in cash - Tablet war opens a new front: D.C. - Markey to unveil carrier replies on law enforcement requests - Smith, others unveil IP bill - It’s 'malware Monday'" Politico Retrieved Feb. 11 2013. This act was a section of the previously unsuccessful Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) which did not pass its markup by the House Judiciary Committee."SOPA online piracy bill markup postponed" The Washington Post Retrieved Feb. 11 2013. The bill's aim was to increase the presence of intellectual property attaches around the world."Lamar Smith Looking To Sneak Through SOPA In Bits & Pieces, Starting With Expanding Hollywood's Global Police Force" Techdirt Retrieved Feb. 11 2013. These attaches would play the role of intellectual property "diplomats" for the United States, encouraging other countries to enforce copyright laws. The attaches, currently linked to the US Patent and Trademark Office, would be set up in the Commerce Department.
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