Intellectual property (IP) protections play an essential role in advancing economies, creating jobs, protecting consumers, and inspiring solutions to global challenges. Countries around the world are investing in their IP systems to strengthen IP protections and inspire innovative growth.

GIPC is at the forefront of the fight for a higher global IP standard. That’s why we’re grateful for our long-standing partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) IP Attaché program, an ally in improving market environments for IP-intensive industries.

The IP Attaché program works to promote robust IP protections in international fora. IP Attachés, the faces of the IP Attaché program, actively advocate for more effective IP policies, laws, and regulations in specific countries across the globe and in international trade agreements. Their advocacy efforts are diverse: they discuss timely problems and opportunities with foreign government officials; they provide in-country training on IP law, enforcement, and administration; and they drive public awareness of the importance of IP protections.

The IP Attachés also help U.S. stakeholders more effectively engage in designated markets. IP Attachés advise stakeholders on complex foreign laws and regulations and on the workings of foreign courts and governments. The IP Attachés’ informed, on-the-ground perspectives on local IP environments are invaluable to American businesses and investors.

Each year, GIPC gathers the IP Attachés to gather these perspectives during discussions at the USPTO IP Attaché Roundtable. At the 2017 roundtable, we’ll hear from Attachés based in Switzerland, Belgium, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, India, China, Thailand, and beyond. We’ll also hear from Shira Perlmutter, Chief Policy Officer and Director for International Affairs at USPTO.

So, if you’re interested in the current state of the global IP ecosystem, come learn from the experts. Join us for GIPC’s 11th annual USPTO IP Attaché Roundtable on December 13. Register today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Anderson is the senior manager of international for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Innovation Policy Center.