U.S. Chamber Lauds Progress Made by the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today welcomed the release of the Annual Report on Intellectual Property Enforcement by the Office of the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC). The report, delivered to Congress earlier today, outlines numerous efforts made to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of federal intellectual property (IP) enforcement since the release of the inaugural Joint Strategic Plan in June 2010.
“The Joint Strategic Plan was an important step forward in combating intellectual property theft and protecting the millions of jobs and businesses that depend on a robust IP regime,” said David Hirschmann, president and CEO of the GIPC. “The Chamber commends Victoria Espinel for her leadership and the federal agencies that play a role in efforts made during the past six months to implement this plan.”
The report highlights strengthened IP enforcement efforts in the past year, including a substantial increase in the number and value of seizures and the number of both investigations and arrests. The report also showcases the administration’s commitment to fight online counterfeiting and piracy, through initiatives such as Operation in Our Sites, which has led to the seizure of more than 90 rogue websites, the Office of U.S. Trade Representative’s upcoming special report on notorious online marketplaces, and the administration’s efforts to promote voluntary cooperation with the private sector to reduce accessibility of rogue websites to the U.S. market.
“The Chamber recognizes that implementing the Joint Strategic Plan—the first ever White House-led effort—is an important step to address a major threat to jobs and the economy,” added Hirschmann. “While we applaud the progress made thus far, we urge Congress and the Obama administration to expand on current efforts, starting with ensuring there is dedicated resources throughout the government, including the Office of the IPEC, to effectively enforce and promote IP rights. Successful implementation of this plan is far from complete. We stand ready to work with Congress and the administration to build on this plan and ensure that we comprehensively address the multiple threats to IP—both in the physical and digital worlds.”
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.
