Intellectual Property at our Borders
Recent statistics emphasize the need for increased enforcement. IP seizures in the United States increased by more than 24% from 2010 to 2011, with 24,792 seizures recorded at a domestic value of $178.9 million. As such, it has been a GIPC priority to enact legislation that will improve the ability of agencies to prevent counterfeit and other infringing goods from entering the United States.
Legislative Model for CBP Reauthorization
In the 113th Congress, legislation to reauthorize the office of Customs and Border Protection should be a top priority.
That legislation should:
-
Authorize the sharing of unredacted information with IP owners about products suspected of being counterfeit, pirated, or illegal hacking devices, without artificial delays
-
Establish high-level government leadership that will prioritize IP enforcement
-
Increase IP resources with better training for those in the field
-
Enhance the IP enforcement capabilities of CBP and ICE
Congress should use the authorization process to upgrade IP enforcement capabilities at CBP and ICE and raise anti-counterfeiting and piracy responsibilities to senior levels at these agencies. The economic future of the U.S. depends on innovation, ingenuity, and creativity. Further, America’s international competitiveness relies on the technical sophistication of our products, the global recognition of our brands for quality, and the appeal of our creative industries.