As we conduct our obligatory reflections today, it is clear that 2012 was a big year for intellectual property and the GIPC. From the release of our
IP Creates Jobs state-IP jobs study to the launch of our wildly successful international multimedia platform
IP Delivers, GIPC’s work as champions for innovators and creators in 2012 makes us very excited for what’s to come in 2013. And believe us, there’s plenty to come.
But before we unveil what is in store for the future, here is a stroll down memory lane in our most popular posts of 2012:
In a guest post, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback highlights exactly what intellectual property means for the jobs, wages, and economic vitality of his state, proclaiming:
“Eat your heart out California; Kansas is the new home for innovation in America.”
Earlier this month, members of the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) converged in Dubai to vote on expanding ITU authority over the Internet. In our post, we explore the chilling effects this could have on online businesses and consumers.
“Even the smallest of tweaks could open the flood gates for foreign governments’ ability to exert control over the Internet—causing industry, businesses, and consumers great alarm. Proposals being considered could restrict the free flow of information, increase the cost of doing business online, and severely undermine the jobs supported by e-commerce…
Essentially, this one-size-fits-all approach is just plain wrong. As industry, we recognize that 21st century challenges—such as the protection of intellectual property online—need to be equally matched with 21st century solutions. However, the expansion of ITU oversight is not the right solution to allow the Internet and the businesses built upon it to flourish.”
Over the summer, the GIPC went straight to the heart of Manhattan and launched its
Dangerous Fakescampaign with an ad in Times Square. Since then, the meaning of the Dangerous Fakes has becoming increasingly apparent, with the ever growing public health and safety threats posed by counterfeit airbags, cancer medications, and the like.
“Make no mistake—fake goods pose very real dangers. Organized criminals are deceiving consumers into purchasing products that are shoddy in construction, do not meet international safety regulations, and could be potentially lethal. One new mom we spoke with said she had purchased a car seat for her child online only to receive it and find out it was counterfeit. She learned the hard way that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
As Americans mourn the death of an iconic tasty treat, the GIPC conducted a post-mortem and found that Hostess’ intellectual property may bring the Twinkie back to life.
“Hostess’ robust IP portfolio, primarily comprised of trademarks that include the aforementioned Twinkie, and storied treats like Ding Dongs, Ho Hos, and Wonder Bread is worth over $134 million, attracting a sugar rush of investors and bakers who would like to capitalize and revitalize the brand. Though this reinvention may draw the ire of nutritionists and dentists alike, the Twinkie has the opportunity to be more than a memory.”
In this post, GIPC discusses how H.R. 4216 (now H.R. 6654), the Foreign Counterfeit Prevention Act, will significantly enhance IP enforcement at our borders. The bill is still under consideration.
“With passage of the H.R. 4216, CBP officers will once again have access to the resource they need – the knowledge and expertise of the owner of the trademark or copyright being violated – to intercept illegal and often dangerous products from entering the stream of U.S. commerce.”
We thank you for a successful 2012 and look forward to the great work ahead of us in 2013.
