U.S. Chamber Commends Congress’ Steadfast Support of IP Rights in Climate Change Negotiations
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today commended Congress for their continued support for IP rights in negotiations leading up to an anticipated December climate change agreement in Copenhagen. The GIPC cited a bipartisan congressional letter sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that highlighted the importance of safeguarding IP rights for clean technology as the United States takes part in U.N. negotiations. The letter was signed by over 60 Democratic and Republican members of the United States House of Representatives.
“The Congress should be commended for their strong support of intellectual property rights, and their active role in helping to ensure that IP is protected in climate change negotiations. This position helps define what the U.S. will and will not accept in a climate change agreement.” said Dr. Mark Esper, executive vice president of the GIPC. “This letter to Secretary Clinton reinforces the U.S. position on IP, and clearly signals continued support for intellectual property rights and the vital role they play in the technology development and diffusion necessary to achieve our energy and environmental goals,” added Esper.
The letter, led by Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), emphasizes the importance of the global IPR system as a basis for economic growth and technological progress. It notes the need for nations to address the real barriers to the transfer of green technology, such as lack of financing and market access barriers. The lawmakers also highlight recent Congressional action to protect IP in these negotiations while expressing concern over proposals by some developing countries to weaken IP rights for clean technologies. To read the letter in its entirety, click here.
“The pro-IP posture taken by Congress and the administration is vital to generating the technologies that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve our environment. It is wise policy that benefits the economy and helps protect jobs. I thank Reps. Larsen and Blackburn for leading this effort and their clear understanding of the importance of IP to the American economy,” added Esper.
The Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion intellectual property (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.
