IP is on Congressional Minds This Week
Intellectual property was a hot topic with members of Congress across the country as Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) each hosted roundtable discussions on the issue.
“Strengthening America’s intellectual property climate is one of the best things elected officials can do to help grow the economy and provide opportunities for constituents,” said Frank Cullen, GIPC executive director of U.S. intellectual property policy. “We are grateful for the leadership of Congressmen Deutch and Lance on this issue and all they do to encourage America’s innovators.”
Congressman Deutch provided constituents with resources to empower their businesses at two “Trademarks 101.” Experts from the International Trademark Association (INTA), GIPC, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) were on hand to answer small- and medium-sized local business leaders’ questions about trademarks at two roundtables in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton.
As Rep. Deutch noted, “South Florida is home to a strong and proud community of entrepreneurs and small business owners. As the backbone of our economy, it’s important that these businesses protect their products and reputation. These Trademarks 101 events offer an informative discussion about trademarks and how they can help safeguard a business’ hard work.”
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Congressman Leonard Lance gathered local business leaders to discuss the importance of maintaining intellectual property protections, especially for the development of lifesaving medications. The U.S. intellectual property system has played a critical role in the evolution of disease treatment, spurring discoveries ranging from groundbreaking vaccines to emerging gene-based therapies. As IP comes under attack, however, so does our ability to find the next life-improving or life-saving treatment.
Congressman Lance is a longtime proponent of IP protections. “Strong intellectual property protections lead to innovative new discoveries that fuel economic growth,” said Rep. Lance. “Congress should be taking every measure possible to promote patents, trademarks, and copyrights in order to encourage development across a variety of industries as we move forward in the 21st century.”
GIPC looks forward to further collaboration with Rep. Deutch and Rep. Lance as they continue to champion a strong American IP system within the walls of Congress, in their home districts, and beyond.
