U.S. Chamber Joins European and Japanese Business Associations in Calling for a Strong ACTA
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today joined BUSINESSEUROPE and the International Intellectual Property Protection Forum of Japan in calling for the conclusion of a strong Anti-Counterfeiting and Trade Agreement (ACTA). In a Tri-lateral Statement issued today, European, Japanese and American business voices called for a strong agreement that “results in more effective enforcement of IP rights,” while strengthening the global economy, creating jobs and protecting consumers from dangerous products. The Statement coincides with this week’s ACTA negotiations in Lucerne, Switzerland.
“Intellectual property theft—in the form of counterfeiting and piracy—is a global problem,” said Dr. Mark T. Esper, executive vice president of the Chamber’s Global IP Center. “This Tri-lateral Statement reflects the unified efforts of businesses of all sizes in the United States, Europe and Japan to protect intellectual property rights and support actions to fight counterfeiting and piracy around the world. The international business community has clearly signaled that a swift conclusion to a strong ACTA is needed, and a focus on both traditional streams of commerce and Internet theft is paramount to any successful agreement.”
In part, the statement noted that “ACTA promises to enhance international cooperation among nearly 40 countries by establishing a meaningful and effective framework for the protection of IP rights. Without changing U.S., EU, or Japanese law, the agreement will help ensure that like-minded trading partners address counterfeiting and piracy and its damaging effects on investment, creation, innovation, and jobs.” The agreement would do so by “raising the bar on enforcement, improving cooperation among partners, harmonizing how we confront IP theft, addressing IP theft online, and setting a positive example for nations that aspire to have strong IP enforcement regimes.” To read this Tri-lateral Statement it in its entirety, click here.
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 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.
