PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.By Senator Hatch from Committee on Judiciary filed written report under the authority of the order of Aug 2, 96. Report No. 104-359.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 1, 1996
Industrial Espionage Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal criminal code to impose penalties upon individuals or corporations that, with the intent to injure any owner of proprietary economic information having a value of not less than $100,000 that is produced for, or placed in, interstate commerce or to convert it to his or her own direct use or benefit or to that of another, knowingly engage in specified activities, such as stealing, wrongfully copying, or possessing such information, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit such offenses. Provides for the forfeiture of any property that is used to commit, or that constitutes or is derived from any proceeds obtained as the result of, such violation. Authorizes: (1) the President to prohibit for a period of up to three years the importation into, or exportation from, the United States of any product produced, made, assembled, or manufactured by a person convicted of any such offense; and (2) the Attorney General to impose a civil penalty (after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record) not to exceed five times the value of the exports or imports involved or $100,000, whichever is greater, against any person who knowingly violates any such presidential order. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) extraterritoriality; (2) construction with other laws; (3) confidentiality; and (4) law enforcement and intelligence activities. Includes economic espionage among the offenses with respect to which the Attorney General may authorize an application for, and a Federal judge may grant, an order authorizing interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications.
People & committees
Sen. Kohl, Herb [D-WI] · D–WI
Legislative record
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By Senator Hatch from Committee on Judiciary filed written report under the authority of the order of Aug 2, 96. Report No. 104-359.
By Senator Hatch from Committee on Judiciary filed written report under the authority of the order of Aug 2, 96. Report No. 104-359.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 546.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S740-741)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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