The U.S. Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center announced Friday it is joining a coalition of more than 40 companies in signing the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeit Act. The signatories of a letter to Senator Patrick Leahy implore Congress to take substantial action before the convening of the 111th Congress.

The Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeit Act is an effort to stop digital piracy, patent infringement and online counterfeiting.

David Hirschmann, president and CEO of the U.S. GIPC, urges Americans to recognize the growing threat that rogue websites play in threatening intellectual property rights and innovation protection. He also adds that the bill maintains bipartisan support and should be acted upon promptly.

"This legislation will facilitate continued innovation and consumer access to digital products and services, while protecting consumers against rogue sites whose only purpose is to offer stolen content or counterfeit products," said Hirschmann. "As the letter has noted, the business community stands ready to work with the bipartisan supporters in Congress to further improve the bill and facilitate its enactment this year."

The act being pushed on Congress is one of many controversial measures intended to curb the spread of global intellectual property theft. The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, drafted in Tokyo this month, has faced greater controversy over the fear that it may threaten private information rights.