The Global IP Center applauds the bipartisan congressional approval of the trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. With 95 percent of consumers living outside of our borders, these agreements provide essential new opportunities for America’s businesses to expand, create jobs, and compete globally.

We hope that these agreements add renewed momentum to America’s trade agenda and restore our leadership in this arena.  In particular, we hope to see the swift negotiation and conclusion of a high standard Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), which includes the United States and eight other countries in the Asia Pacific. The TPP will play a vital role in setting the template for future trade agreements in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

America houses the world’s most innovative and creative industries.  Indeed, industries that rely heavily on intellectual property contribute to more than 60 percent of our exports and employ 19 million Americans.  It is therefore critical that the TPP and any future trade deals include the highest of intellectual property standards similar to those found in the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.  Quite simply, in today’s knowledge-based economy, intellectual property protection must be the cornerstone for creating jobs.