U.S. Chamber Unveils 2010 Intellectual Property Agenda
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today released its 2010 intellectual property (IP) agenda as proposed to the U.S. Congress and the Obama administration. Highlighting the economic contributions of America’s IP-intensive industries, the GIPC urged the administration and Congress to protect IP rights and America’s innovative sectors as a way of spurring job creation and economic growth.
“Our government’s efforts to promote and protect our innovative and creative industries will be a crucial element of our economic recovery,” said David Hirschmann, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s GIPC. “With the recent appointment and confirmation of Victoria Espinel as the first U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, we call on the administration to deliver the congressionally mandated National IP Strategy this summer. A government-wide national intellectual property strategy should be a fundamental part of our nation’s job strategy.”
The GIPC’s priorities include both domestic and international policy initiatives aimed at better protecting and enforcing IP rights, while also promoting a robust international system of IP laws and norms. Domestically, the priorities call for congressional passage of key legislation to thwart increasing IP theft—including piracy and the sale of counterfeit goods online; completion of a comprehensive national IP strategy by the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator to improve IP protection and enforcement; and, full funding for the 2008 PRO-IP Act. Internationally, the GIPC urges a successful conclusion of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement this year, further engagement with countries such as China and India to improve their IPR regimes, and enhanced U.S.-EU cooperation to advance the global protection and enforcement of IP rights.
The GIPC’s proposals to Congress and the administration are available here.
“America’s innovative and creative industries account for more than $5 trillion of the U.S. gross domestic product, drive more than half of U.S. exports, and employ over 18 million Americans,” said Mark Esper, executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber’s GIPC. “If implemented, the IP agenda we put forth, coupled with the administration’s National IP Strategy we hope to see this summer, will help save and create jobs, and advance America’s economic growth and global competitiveness.”
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.
For more information, please contact Trinh Nguyen at 202-463-5379.
