The IPEC – A Year Later
Today, Victoria Espinel testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet regarding the U.S. government’s efforts to protect American innovation and creativity. This marked the first time she has appeared before a House Judiciary panel since being confirmed as the nation’s first Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) in December 2009.
The GIPC commends the Subcommittee for holding the hearing and would be remiss not to also acknowledge the House Judiciary Committee’s instrumental role in enacting the 2008 PRO-IP Act, which among other things created the IPEC position.
The GIPC would to like to acknowledge Ms. Espinel and the IPEC’s office for the tireless effort and overwhelming commitment to making proactive measures to shore up the protection of American innovation and creativity with the enforcement of strong IP rights. The Obama Administration has had a strong track record on intellectual property, and Ms. Espinel’s testimony shows the accomplishments the administration has made since her appointment. One such accomplishment is the creation of the counterfeit pharmaceutical inter-agency working group that reports to the Vice President and Congress. This initiative highlights an important executive branch directive aimed at eliminating fake drugs from the online marketplace.
Last month, the IPEC’s office delivered the Annual Report on Intellectual Property Enforcement to Congress, outlining numerous efforts made to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of federal IP enforcement since the release of the inaugural Joint Strategic Plan in June 2010. The Joint Strategic Plan was an important step forward in combating IP theft and protecting the millions of jobs and businesses that depend on a robust IP regime.
The IPEC’s office under the stewardship of Victoria Espinel has made tremendous progress with limited resources, staff, and budget. We’re hopeful Ms. Espinel’s testimony will show the Subcommittee that these programs are working and will only succeed in the future with the requisite resources.
**Update: Click here to read statement submitted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the hearing.
