U.S. Chamber Applauds Senate Confirmation of First U.S. IPEC
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today commended the U.S. Senate for the confirmation of Victoria Espinel as the first U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC). Dr. Mark T. Esper, executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center, issued the following statement regarding the confirmation:
“We warmly welcome the Senate’s swift action to confirm Victoria Espinel as our first U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC.) In this position, Ms. Espinel has the opportunity to improve enforcement and promotion of IP rights in the U.S. and abroad. Her extensive background and expertise in these areas will be crucial as she works to protect the creative and innovative industries that help drive our economic growth. This action by the Senate is a historic step in recognizing the importance of America’s innovative and creative economy.
“Intellectual property is vital to America’s economic recovery and in these uncertain economic times it is imperative that our government addresses the full range of IP issues facing American industries, workers, and consumers. As required under the PRO-IP Act passed by Congress last year, the newly confirmed U.S. IPEC is entrusted to craft a national IP strategy—a critical next step—to tackle these challenges. A sound national IP Strategy will demonstrate to our domestic stakeholders as well as our trading partners that the U.S. is committed to the promotion of IP here in the U.S. and abroad. We look forward to supporting the new IPEC and anticipate strong leadership and effective policies that will strengthen IP, create jobs, and benefit the American economy.”
America’s IP-intensive industries employ nearly 18 million workers. These innovative sectors account for over $5 trillion of the U.S. gross domestic product and comprise more than half of all U.S. exports.
The Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion IP 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 more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.
For more information, please contact Trinh Nguyen at 202-463-5379.
