Business Notes Trade

The U.S. is cracking down on foreign counterfeiters who make imitations of American products protected by U.S. patents, copyrights and trademarks. The violators, often Southeast Asian firms, have sold bogus goods ranging from look-alike Eveready batteries to plagiarized computer software. International counterfeiting may cost the U.S. $20 billion in sales a year.

Last week the Reagan Administration submitted to Congress the toughest measures ever undertaken to protect U.S. property rights. The proposals will make it easier for domestic companies to seek judgments against foreign firms engaged in counterfeiting. The U.S. also plans to retaliate against countries that condone such practices by denying them trade preferences. Said Commerce Secretary Malcolm Baldrige: "The law will not tolerate the theft of ideas."