Over 40 Industry and Labor Groups Urge President to Nominate Key Officials

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today joined a broad-based coalition of 41 companies, trade associations, labor unions, alliances and non-profit organizations in urging the Obama Administration to safeguard intellectual property rights as an integral part of America’s innovation economy.

“At a time when workers are losing their jobs in droves, governments need to aggressively protect and enforce creative ownership rights at home and abroad,” said Mark T. Esper, executive vice president of the Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property (IP) Center.  “The Obama Administration should signal its commitment to our creative workforce by appointing highly qualified, pro-IP individuals to serve in key positions for IP protection and enforcement.  Chief among its priorities should be to nominate the nation’s first White House Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC).”

In a letter delivered today by the Copyright Alliance, the coalition stressed the importance of President Obama nominating individuals to key IP positions that reflect substantive expertise, competence, a diversity of viewpoints and a commitment to the administration’s agenda.  The letter is available online.

“Copyright laws are designed to protect workers across the copyright economic chain, including the writers, actors, electricians, caterers and construction personnel on set,” added Esper.  “Especially in these difficult economic times, we are pleased to join labor to protect and promote the efforts of an industry that relies on keeping the creative juices of our writers and artists flowing.  In addition to creating jobs, their efforts help make life more enjoyable and provide some of our most valuable resources for cultural exchanges around the world.”

The Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion IP as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.