November 19, 2014

U.S. Chamber, Elected Officials, Industry Discuss 2015 Intellectual Property Agenda


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Nov. 19, 2014     Contact: Brian Noyes 202-463-5804

U.S. Chamber, Elected Officials, Industry Discuss 2015 Intellectual Property Agenda

Global IP Center Hosts Discussion at 2nd Annual Summit

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In partnership with more than 30 leading industry associations, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) assembled more than 450 business and civic leaders at its 2nd Annual Global IP Summit today. Participants discussed intellectual property priorities for 2015 including effective IP protection in pending pacific and European trade negotiations, and passage of needed trade secrets legislation in the 114th Congress.

“2015 will be a critical year for innovation and intellectual property policy,” said David Hirschmann, president and CEO of the GIPC. “We need policies that fuel investments in everything from life-saving medicines to new technologies to blockbuster movies.”

The U.S. Chamber advocates for criteria that fosters the next era of innovation. Five areas include: preservation of IP rights, talent, capital, a competitive business environment, and a fiscally responsible government. Focus on these priorities can reinvigorate the economy, create jobs for millions of Americans, and reassert America’s innovative leadership in the world.

“From the prospective regional trade agreement in Asia, to trade secret legislation in Congress, we have a clear agenda for IP in 2015,” said Mark Elliot, executive vice president of the GIPC. “Over the next several months and throughout next year, it is incumbent upon the Chamber and other businesses leaders to focus on areas that help spur innovation, and grow the economy.”

Presenters at the event outlined their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for IP in 2015. Speakers included Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Holleyman, Acting Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Michelle Lee, Chairman & CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), President & CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America John Castellani, General Counsel of the U.S. Copyright Office Jacqueline Charlesworth, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, prominent Los Angeles entertainment attorney Dina LaPolt, and innovators from across the country.

In addition to speakers representing a wide cross-section of IP and innovation industry stakeholders, the summit also featured the Hall of Innovation, a showcase of initiatives and organizations focused on protecting IP rights, such as GIPC’s Global Brand Council, the National Crime Prevention Council, Women Impacting Public Policy, and the Property Rights Alliance, among others.

The agenda and a full list of the more than 30 partner organizations representing the full range of innovation based industries participating in the summit can be found here.

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

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

www.uschamber.com            @USChamber            www.freeenterprise.com


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