WASHINGTON, D.C. — David Hirschmann, president & CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center, today released the following statement on the Obama administration’s 2016 Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) on Intellectual Property Enforcement:

“We thank U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) Daniel Marti and his dedicated team for their tireless work. This is a roadmap to ensuring American innovation and creativity continue to lead the world. As the next administration looks to expand innovation-based jobs, it should use this plan as a guide. The innovative industries addressed in this proposal are crucial to our nation’s economic health; intellectual property generates 38 percent of our nation’s GDP, more than half of all exports and impacts more than 45 million jobs – nearly a third of the workforce.

“We commend the report for its focus on key issues: limiting our threats through electronic advanced targeting directed at small parcel shipments, strengthening our border to seize counterfeit goods, disrupting cyber-enabled theft, focusing on e-commerce best practices to ensure consumer safety, and raising public awareness of intellectual property.

“Internationally, the Plan will be a catalyst to curb deceptive practices online and utilize all trade policy tools to effectively collaborate with governments and law enforcement agencies around the world.

“We are appreciative of the commitment to address the threat to consumers and business through forward-thinking, common-sense policies and operational excellence. We look forward to working with the business community and the next administration to implement this valuable plan to protect and promote IP.”

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 of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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