As Congress begins to hammer out its jobs agenda this fall, we have just one particular request: protect American jobs by getting rogue sites legislation done.  In fact, enacting rogue sites legislation was featured prominently alongside other critical job creating tools in the Chamber’s jobs agenda letter sent to the President and Congress last week. 

For the past few months, I have used this space to highlight a variety of rogue websites engaged in intellectual property theft across numerous sectors of the U.S. economy. Today I want to tell the story about a site that has made a dramatic step in the right direction. Given recent history, this news may have caught many by surprise. Last week, Baidu, China’s No. 1 search engine, announced a major licensing deal with several major music labels.

The fight against online theft is kicking into high gear with the introduction of the PROTECT IP Act in the Senate.

Today, Senator Leahy and nine other Senators introduced the PROTECT IP Act, legislation that will crack down on websites dedicated to online piracy and counterfeiting.

Last week, the GIPC kicked-off its Rogue Site of the Week initiative, which is designed to educate consumers, policymakers, etc,... on the trickery and elusiveness of websites dedicated to stealing American intellectual property (IP). This week’s Rogue Site of the Week – www.stuff-trade.com – was seized by U.S.

Today, the GIPC kicked off its “Rogue Site of the Week” project, which is designed to educate consumers on the trickery and elusiveness of websites dedicated to stealing American intellectual property (IP). Most importantly, this initiative is aimed at showing Congress the need to enact rogue sites legislation. Our inaugural featured rogue site is www.nfljerseysupply.net, formerly known as www.nfljerseysupply.com before it was seized by U.S.

Internet piracy isn’t worth the risk—just ask a California man who pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to commit copyright infringement and now faces a sentence of five years in prison and $250,000 fine. The defendant was a member of an Internet music release group operating under the name of “Old School Classics” (OSC).

Today marks World Intellectual Property Day, as designated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) more than 10 years ago. As we reflect on the contributions made by the world’s innovative and creative industries to economic and social development, it is only appropriate to also consider the challenges these industries and our economies face as IP theft proliferates around the globe.

By David Hirschmann

Earlier today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with leaders of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees from both major parties and labor representatives at a press conference highlighting the problem of rogue websites and the need to cut them off from the U.S. market to create American jobs, protect consumers, and allow the Internet to flourish as a legitimate online marketplace.

Yesterday, the Brazil-U.S. Business Council trade delegation concluded the last day in Brazil with visit to São Paulo, the largest state economy in Brazil. The delegation met with a variety of U.S. and Brazilian government officials as well as key industry representatives ranging from Fred Hochberg (President and Chairman of the Export-Import Bank), Ambassador Thomas Shannon (U.S. Ambassador to Brazil), Carlos Cavalcanti (the Director of Energy for Federal of Industries of the State of Paulo), and Luciano Almeida (President of Invest São Paulo). 

The Chamber’s Global IP Center applauds Victoria Espinel, the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, for today’s release of the Administration White Paper on Intellectual Property Enforcement Legislative Recommendations. We commend Victoria for her continued leadership and whole-heartedly support many of the recommendations she puts forth.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center applauds the House Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition and the Internet for holding a hearing today on "Promoting Investment and Protecting Commerce Online:  Legitimate Sites v. Parasites, Part I."

Last week law enforcement officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made a groundbreaking arrest in the fight against rogue websites.  The defendant is alleged to have illegally streamed live, copyrighted sports broadcasts via  a website–channelsurfing.net.

Today, Victoria Espinel testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet regarding the U.S. government’s efforts to protect American innovation and creativity. This marked the first time she has appeared before a House Judiciary panel since being confirmed as the nation’s first Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) in December 2009.

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the harm that rogue websites cause the American economy and the remedies needed to curb online intellectual property (IP) theft. The members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, through the leadership of Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Ranking Member Charles Grassley (R-IA), guaranteed that Congressional action will be taken against rogue sites. As demonstrated by every statement made at the hearing, there continues to be strong bipartisan support for rogue sites legislation. 

Today, a broad coalition of more than 130 organizations—small, medium and large businesses, professional and labor organizations, and trade associations joined the chorus of support for the introduction and enactment of rogue sites legislation. This letter was delivered to all Members of Congress on behalf of over 80 businesses and professional and labor organizations, representing over 1.5 million jobs and workers, and over 50 trade associations represent

Today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations sent Valentine’s Day cards in the form of 18 domain seizures to counterfeiters on rogue websites offering counterfeit jewelry, luxury handbags, perfumes, and other consumer goods. This is a new round of seizures in ICE’s Operation in Our Sites initiative–an ongoing program aimed at fighting back counterfeiting and piracy over the Internet.

As part of our Campaign Against Online Theft, the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP) is pleased to unveil our newest video which highlights the growing scourge of online IP infringement vis-à-vis “rogue websites.” The video showcases the multiple threats these sites pose—stealing our jobs, harming our consumers, and stifling our economic growth.

Yesterday, President Obama issued an Executive Order establishing two White House Intellectual Property advisory committees, including the formation of an interagency Senior Intellectual Property Enforcement Advisory Committee.

This Sunday, two classic National Football League franchises, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers, face one another in Super Bowl XLV. Unbeknownst to many, the battle on the gridiron will be flanked by another battle outside of Cowboys Stadium and on the Internet–law enforcement agents against counterfeiters and criminals using the glitz and glamour of this annual spectacle to make a quick buck.  Some folks are learning the hard way that these activities will not be tolerated, as the U.S.

Frontier Economics has released a report at the Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy’s (BASCAP) Sixth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy concluding that global counterfeiting and piracy rob G20 economies of 2.5 million jobs.

Today, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation hosted a discussion on Internet bandwidth and online piracy. A panel of experts came together to discuss a new study released by Envisional that estimates the amount of Internet traffic attributed to online piracy and the transfer of infringing content. The study found that such traffic totals over 22% of all global Internet bandwidth.

Tonight, in his State of the Union address, the President highlighted the need to turn to American innovation to create jobs, compete in the global economy, and build an economic infrastructure that provides a prosperous future for our children and our country. A key element to achieve the goals the President set out tonight is to protect and promote our intellectual property (IP) rights. The facts are clear. IP-based companies account for 60 percent U.S. exports, help drive more than 33 percent of our economic growth, and employ over 19 million Americans.

Earlier today, I had the privilege of participating in the White House Forum on Intellectual Property Theft with senior Administration officials including: Attorney General Eric Holder, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement John Morton, and IP Enforcement Coordinator Victoria Espinel. Numerous consumer safety advocates and industries representatives participated in this forum on the health and safety risks presented by counterfeit goods.

Recent reports over the weekend have indicated that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in cooperation with the Justice Department (DOJ) and the National IPR Coordination Center, has seized more than 70 websites dedicated to selling counterfeit goods and/or  pirating copyrighted materials. With the official announcement coming on Cyber Monday, this second phase of ‘Operation In Our Sites’ could not have been more timely.

Today, a coalition of 28 business groups, including some of the most job-producing industries in our economy, ran an ad in Roll Call calling for Congressional action against rogue websites--those that are dedicated to selling counterfeit goods and/or pirating copyrighted materials.

Today, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement negotiating parties have released the final text of the Agreement following the discussion and resolution of the remaining issues. The conclusion of a robust and comprehensive ACTA this year is a major step forward in our international efforts to protect innovators, workers and consumers all around the world.

Today, the Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) hosted its last Speaker Series event of 2010, focusing on a discussion of the successes of intellectual property (IP) enforcement in the past year and future plans to crack down on counterfeiting and piracy in the upcoming year. The event was highlighted by a keynote address by John Morton, Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

I remember a time when watching your favorite movie meant having to wait for it to air on one of the broadcast networks. "On demand," DVDs, and Web downloads were foreign concepts.

When you called a friend who wasn’t home, you were out of luck -- there was no answering machine or voice mail. When you wanted to reach your teenage daughter, you actually dialed her up and spoke to her on the phone -- texting was an unknown phenomenon.

When you wanted to catch up with a friend, you’d grab dinner together -- not check his Facebook page.

The problem of rogue websites selling illegal goods is growing, as is the support for a bill that would tackle this problem. Intellectual property (IP)—a key component to our economic growth and development—is a cornerstone of nearly every industry, including medical, entertainment, software, energy, electronics, biotech, fashion, automotive, and consumer goods. Similarly, the theft of IP—specifically the growing problem of online counterfeiting and piracy—has damaging effects on American industry.

Today’s release of the ACTA text marks an important step forward in the negotiations between 40 countries working to raise the bar for intellectual property enforcement. Better enforcement of IP rights around the world will help strengthen the global economy, create new jobs, and protect consumers from dangerous products. 

Online counterfeiting and piracy is a destructive force that hurts the American economy, and the Leahy-Hatch bill addresses this illegal behavior by targeting the worst of the worst counterfeiters and copyright pirates online. The assertion that this legislation equates to foreign political censorship is erroneous and does not accurately reflect this bill. Effective action against criminals whose products can kill and whose illicit profits steal American jobs is vastly different from foreign political censorship.

For centuries, America has been called the innovation nation. We are unique for our spirit of entrepreneurism, our willingness to take risks, and our efforts to turn new ideas into products that enrich our lives. It is our innovation and creativity that drives America’s competitiveness and helps us remain the world’s leading innovator.

Earlier today, the European Parliament voted (328 to 245) to adopt a report prepared by Marielle Gallo (French-Member of the Parliament), which outlines the European Union’s policy on intellectual property (IP) protection.

The harm that digital theft and piracy have on our economic livelihood is well-documented. Two new studies, released last week by the Business Software Alliance (BSA) and computer security giant McAfee, further illustrate the damaging effects of online intellectual property (IP) theft for our economic growth, jobs, and consumers.

Doug Oberhelman, CEO of Caterpillar has a great piece in the Chicago Tribune:

The dangers of counterfeit drugs continue to grow, and garner more attention. In case you missed it, Dan Rather recently conducted a video report, “Counterfeit Prescription Drugs a Growing Threat,” from Nigeria—the most populous country in Africa with 150 million people.

Recently, the UK Telegraph and Daily Mail published stories discussing a new report which claims that purchasing counterfeit goods benefits consumers and the companies whose brands are being knocked off.

Today, our nation’s capital welcomes the arrival of our trading partners for the 10th round of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) negotiations. With only four months left in 2010, the U.S. Chamber’s Global IP Center has high hopes that the negotiating partners stay committed in efforts to conclude a strong ACTA in 2010. In this time of economic instability, we simply cannot afford to wait any longer.

Earlier today, federal law enforcement kicked up their intellectual property (IP) enforcement efforts a notch by announcing the arrests of 11 San Francisco merchants, who have been charged with trafficking counterfeit apparel and accessories worth millions of dollars. These commendable actions by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S.

Today, the GIPC is pleased to unveil our newest video, highlighting the importance of intellectual property to America’s job growth and economic prosperity. This video showcases the important facts about IP, such as—IP-dependent industries represent 40% of America's economic growth, account for more than $5 trillion of the gross domestic product, and comprise more than half of all exports. Additionally, 18 million Americans work in IP-intensive industries. These jobs often pay better and are expected to grow faster over the next decade than the national average.

By Dr. John Spink, Michigan State University

Most new jobs and economic growth are created by innovative start-up companies that rely upon venture capital for funding. The majority of the managers of these funds will invest only after the grant of patents can assure a return on investment. So the faster patents are granted, the faster the increase in jobs and growth.

Join us next Wednesday (July 21, at 9:30 a.m.) to hear Judge Paul R. Michel, recently retired Chief Judge of the federal court that decides all patent appeals, speaks out about America's patent system. Having served the past 22 years on the U.S.

Today, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) announced the launch of "Operation In Our Sites," a new initiative aimed fighting counterfeiting and piracy over the Internet. These actions should be commended as they will play a pivotal role in cracking down on the internet piracy that is harming our economy and costing American jobs.

Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) 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.

You have to go back a long way – perhaps to the invention of the printing press, or the automobile – to find a technological advancement that has had as big an impact on the world as the personal computer (PC). Not just the big ones that NASA employed to get man to the moon in the 1960s, but the ones too that can be found in nearly every American home. Today, PCs are as prolific as television sets; some believe the computer will one day replace the TV. 

America has a well-deserved reputation for creating and producing the most cutting-edge forms of entertainment, high technology, and consumer goods in the world.  We have earned this distinction thanks in large measure to the ingenuity, hard work, and “can do” spirit that have marked our society for generations. 

By Kevin M. Burke

Earlier today, I participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives from 17 diplomatic missions in Geneva, along with representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multilateral institutions, and the private sector, to discuss best practices for developing, commercializing and diffusing new products and technologies to countries most in need. The event was hosted by three Permanent Missions to the United Nations in Geneva – the United States of America’s, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s and the Republic of Kenya’s – and was sponsored by the

With the 15th annual E3 (Electron Entertainment Expo) just around the corner, now seems like a good time to delve into a few common—but completely bogus—reasons used by some gamers to justify their digital theft of video games. As most people know, the illegal distribution and/or reproduction of copyrighted products—whether they are movies, music, books, or video games—is a crime known as piracy. And not surprisingly, some PC gamers have engaged in this illicit activity since the early days of the video game industry. In the last decade, however, console gamers have joined their PC brethre

The Energy Institute’s Steve Eule continues his look at the Bonn climate talks, which he attended.

One of the big issues facing negotiators is whether and how the two negotiating tracks—one under the Kyoto Protocol (to the U.S. is not a Party) and the other through the overarching Framework Convention. The two groups now can’t formally talk to one another—the groups’ two Chairs are permitted to have a collegial cup of coffee together, but that’s about it.

For the past few weeks, the Global Intellectual Property Center has been talking up the need for a national IP enforcement strategy to help streamline government wide efforts to fight IP theft. Counterfeiting and piracy kill jobs and hinder economic growth—both here and abroad; these are crimes that touch nearly all industries and livelihoods. Like sports….

America has been called the innovation nation, and for good reason. From semi-conductors to space travel to super computers to Hollywood blockbusters, the innovative spirit and creative minds of America have been on full display for over two centuries.  It is our free enterprise system that allows us to take chances that, if successful, return huge dividends to not only the risk taker, but to the workers who gain when a dream becomes reality. Innovation drives America’s competitiveness, and without it, our nation’s role as the world’s leading innovative force is threatened.

This week, the WTO’s Council on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is meeting in Geneva to discuss a number of IP issues related to the 1994 World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement. One of the items reportedly on the agenda is a discussion on the legitimacy of various so-called “TRIPS-plus” measures: bilateral and multilateral agreements between countries that raise the bar on intellectual property (IP) protections.

Last week, the Global IP Center had the pleasure of hosting Ashifi Gogo—a Ghanaian-born entrepreneur and CEO of Sproxil, Inc.—as part of the GIPC’s Speaker Series designed to raise awareness of topical intellectual property (IP) issues. Growing up in West Africa—where counterfeit medicines constitute between ten and thirty percent of the marketplace—the scourge of fake drugs in his native country left an impression on Gogo.

Imagine having a chronic disease that is treatable through a prescription drug, or even something than can be purchased over the counter. Not hard to do.

Now imagine that the medicine you bought—either online or in a store—is a fake drug whose shape, color, packaging, and even markings, look like the real thing. But rather than containing the active ingredients that are critical to treating your condition, this pill contains harmless talcum powder or worse…toxic materials that kill you.

The Chamber’s Global IP Center commends today’s joint statement by President Barack Obama and President Felipe Calderón that “the protection of intellectual property rights is essential to promote…. innovation and investment.” As the GIPC has long state, innovation and creativity, which are both incentivized and protected by strong IP rights, are critical to creating jobs, spurring economic growth, and enhancing America’s competitiveness.

This morning, the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus released its much-awaited 2010 Watch List of those countries who are failing to live up to their international obligations to protect intellectual property (IP) rights, and as a result are stunting America’s ability to rebuild its economy and save jobs. Further, the Caucus should be commended for expanding this year’s list to include rogue websites that facilitate digital theft, and the countries that provide safe harbor for them.

Today, the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP) and the Copyright Alliance ran an ad in Politico highlighting the broad range of support for the protection of intellectual property (IP) and its impact on America’s economy and job creation. Support includes voices from business, labor, U.S. government, and independent research groups.

The 2010 Special 301 Report once again signifies the importance of intellectual property to our economy. As this report suggests, violations of IP rights are an impediment to economic growth, innovation, and job creation around the world.  It also serves as a reminder that nations that do not play by the rules will be singled out.

Yesterday I posted on World IP Day 2010 and the activities of a few of our AmChams in promoting a culture of innovation. Here are two more reports:

Anne McKinney - AmCham Colombia, Bogotá

Earlier today I posted on World IP Day 2010 and the great job that AACCLA's network of 23 AmChams does in promoting a culture of innovation that has linked the Americas. Here are some of their efforts today:

Gerry McCulloch - AmCham Paraguay

Reforming Attitudes Regarding the Purchase of Counterfeit and Pirated Products in Paraguay

This year, the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA) Intellectual Property Task Force marks the beginning of its intellectual property (IP) 2010 agenda on this, the tenth anniversary of World IP Day.

For forty years now, we have celebrated Earth Day. And with each passing decade we have become more and more aware of the importance of sound environmental stewardship for ourselves and our children. We have made great progress over the years, but we also realize that more must be done to protect our natural resources and keep our environment clean.

Today’s release of the ACTA text marks a major stride towards greater transparency, and will help enhance support for this important agreement.  Publication of the negotiating text will show that many of the claims made by ACTA critics and anti-IP activists to stop this agreement were false.  ACTA promises to improve cooperation and enhance the collective efforts of nearly forty countries against the growing scourge of counterfeiting and piracy—in both the online and physical environments—that is killing

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce commends USTR and the other negotiating partners for this major step forward, and the progress they are making to complete a comprehensive ACTA this year. We particularly laud their decision to release the draft text. This announcement should address many of the erroneous claims of anti-ACTA critics and get us refocused on the substantive components of this important agreement.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congressman Howard Berman has been a dedicated advocate for the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights—a crucial component of our economic growth and jobs creation. Today, Chairman Berman and Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen sent a letter to the U.S.

The Government Accountability Office's (GAO) release today of its Intellectual Property (IP) Report to Congress (Intellectual Property: Observations of Efforts to Quantify the Economic Effects of Counterfeit and Pirated Goods - PDF) reiterates what government officials, law enforcement, independent experts, and businesses of all sizes have been saying for some time now -- counterfeiting and piracy poses a serious threat to innovation, job creation, and economic growth in America, while putting consumers at risk

In a recent Washington Post column, Jack Goldsmith and Lawrence Lessig voiced their concerns about the anti-counterfeiting and trade agreement known as ACTA. What we need to keep in focus here is the importance a strong ACTA has on America’s economic recovery.

by Mark Esper

A new study released today by the International Chamber of Commerce's Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP), predicts job losses due to piracy to reach as high as 1.2 million and €240 billion ($327 billion) in lost retail revenue by 2015 for the European Union. The study is another clear indication that when protected ideas are stolen, people suffer. As such, more must be done to address the jobs-killing crime of copyright theft.

The President's comments today highlighting the importance of intellectual property to our nation's economy come at a pivotal time, and should be lauded. Our economic recovery, and the jobs that will come with it, depend on the innovation and creativity of the American people.  And so protecting IP rights by enforcing copyright, patent and trademark laws in the U.S. and abroad is critical to our nation's success.

When two of America’s most prominent voices on jobs and the economy say the same thing, well, it is time to take notice. When it’s the US Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO, then Washington should really pay attention.

Earlier today, in his testimony before the Senate Finance Committee on President Obama's 2010 Trade Policy Agenda, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk stated that opening new markets and bolstering enforcement tools will be the main focus of his efforts this year. This agenda, he said, will support the President's goal of doubling U.S. exports in the next five years to support two million American jobs. We look forward to working with the Administration to achieve this goal and we applaud the USTR for setting forward an agenda that will spur job creation and economic growth.

by Mark Esper

Today’s release of the 2010 International Property Rights Index (IPRI) by the Property Rights Alliance highlights once again the importance intellectual property rights (IPR) play in growing economies, improving living standards, and creating jobs around the world.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been notifying dozens of organizations around the country of possible security and personal identification breaches related to the use of peer to peer (P2P) file sharing networks. This is not the first time we’ve been warned about dangers lurking on the Internet, but this latest episode once again highlights the importance of our own vigilance and knowledge of the risks we all face online.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder earlier today announced the formation of a new Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property. Not only is this initiative another step forward in our fight against the growing crimes of intellectual property (IP) theft, it is also a critical recognition by the Administration that these crimes are endangering public safety and eroding our ability to create jobs and grow our economy. The Department of Justice’s initiative deserves to be commended.

The weather in Miami leading up to this weekend’s Super Bowl has been erratic to say the least.  And while I’m no meteorologist, there’s one prediction I can make with confidence: one team will come out on top and thousands of vendors will be hawking counterfeit NFL merchandise to football fans in Miami, across the country, and around the world via the Internet.

Last week, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk announced the designation of an Assistant USTR for Small Business, Market Access, and Industrial Competitiveness. The newly created position will help address the challenges facing small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that sell their goods abroad and promote the global export opportunities these businesses need to create jobs here at home.

by Captain James Callaway, City of Morrow Police Department, Georgia

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) negotiations were launched in 2006. ACTA is a new plurilateral treaty to help fight counterfeiting and piracy through enhanced international cooperation and more effective international standards for enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights. It will build upon existing international rules, in particular the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement (TRIPS), to address a number of enforcement areas where countries have identified the need to strengthen the current international legal framework.

On Wednesday, President Obama will give his 2010 State of the Union address, and much of this address will focus on jobs. As a precursor to his speech, the president recently visited Elyria, Ohio, a small town in the rustbelt that epitomizes the economic struggle that America faces today.

Online piracy represents ten percent of all U.S. books downloaded from the Internet, accounting for potential revenue losses to publishers of $2.75 - 3 billion according to a new study. These stunning numbers and other findings are included in Attributor’s U.S. Book Anti-Piracy Research Findings.

Yesterday, the U.S. Chamber's Global IP Center submitted comments in response to the Federal Communications Commission's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The purpose of these comments was to express our strong belief that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must retain the ability to manage illicit content (including pirated content such as illegally downloaded movies and music) in a reasonable and effective manner.

Throughout time, innovation and creativity have been the catalyst for our economic and cultural growth and scientific advancements—from novel medicines that save lives and "green technologies" that will help protect the environment, to the movies, music and software that define America. We owe much of this to a robust system of intellectual property (IP) rights—the framework of laws and policies that encourage innovation, rewards entrepreneurs, protects one's ideas, drives economic growth and competitiveness, and creates and supports jobs. 

by Mark Esper

Despite the lack of real agreement in Copenhagen, there is clearly a consensus among the nations gathered that climate change must be addressed.  All agree as well that new and innovative technologies will be critical to helping nations deal with global warming adaptation and mitigation.  Most of these innovations will come from the private sector, which has been expending a great deal of time, effort, and resources—with much more to follow—on these cutting edge technologies.

Tuesday’s White House roundtable discussion on the monumental problems of counterfeiting and piracy is another indication of the value being placed on intellectual property (IP) as a job creator, driver of innovation and creativity, and integral part of the American economy. I commend Vice President Biden and the Administration for holding this important and timely meeting.
 

The Energy Institute’s Steve Eule has been representing the Chamber in Copenhagen, and tonight he checks in with some troubling news about the prospects for strong intellectual property rights in an international climate agreement. Steve’s latest blog entry on Politico details the latest turn of events.

Recently, anti-intellectual property rights activists have misstated the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s position on access to copyrighted materials for the visually impaired and other persons with disabilities.

The Chamber supports increased copyright access for the visually-impaired, including measures currently practiced under U.S. law that have proven effective in providing access, and promoting results-oriented solutions to the needs of blind and visually-impaired persons.

Well, the articles and the headlines are very damning; the source document, not so much:

Intellectual property (IP)—those "creations of the mind" that result in new inventions and works of art, for example-- continues to be recognized as a job creator and a pivotal component of our economy. The latest example of this can be found in the Omnibus Appropriations Conference report—the means by which the Congress funds the government and its programs—that was just recently filed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As the world gathers over the next two weeks in Copenhagen to reach consensus on how to address our climate change challenges, a bevy of "other" issues – all related in some way to climate change – will be taken up. Among those will be intellectual property (IP) rights, and how they relate to the development and diffusion of new technologies that will help us reduce CO2 emissions and adapt to changes in our environment.

The nation’s top law enforcement was busy at work last week, addressing some of America’s most pressing issues, including the fight against counterfeiting and piracy. Meeting in Phoenix for their annual winter meeting, the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) updated the AGs on the progress and future plans of the special NAAG committee on intellectual property.

by Rick Cotton

Since the dawn of time, human innovation and creativity have transformed the world and our place in it, in ways known and ways yet to be discovered. From microwaves and washing machines, to vaccines and jet aircraft, innovation has provided new opportunities, helped solve old problems, and made life more efficient.

This week, millions of gamers turned out for the biggest-selling launch in the history of entertainment software, the video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Some will be missing out on the action because their consoles have been rightly banned from Microsoft Xbox Live service; apparently, many gamers have chosen to modify their hardware to play illegal pirated versions of the game.

This week, U.S. officials and representatives from our key trading partners are meeting in Seoul, Korea to further negotiations on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). The Global IP Center (GIPC) is encouraged to see these efforts moving forward, as we believe an ambitious ACTA will set a high bar for IP protection and enforcement around the world. While the GIPC supports the administration’s efforts to conclude a robust and comprehensive ACTA, we also note that a successful agreement should do the following:

Today’s Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on Victoria Espinel was historic. As part of the PRO-IP Act that was signed into law last year, the Senate is moving towards confirmation of the nation’s first Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) who will be entrusted with the heavy task of improving enforcement and promoting IP rights in the U.S. and abroad.

Recognizing the importance of intellectual property to their economies, China and the United States appear to have made some progress on the protection and enforcement front at the 20th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Hangzhou, China.

From Dow Jones Newswires:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement today regarding a fake web site that infringes on the Chamber’s copyrights:

Today, over 60 Democratic and Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives emphasized their support for IP rights by signing onto a bipartisan congressional letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The letter highlighted the importance of protecting IP right in negotiations leading up to an anticipated December climate change agreement in Copenhagen.

That is the title of a great article by Daniel Harrison in yesterday's Washington Post. I think the real question is: Can anything but innovation save the economy?

With Congress and the nation trying to tackle so many issues at once—the economy, health care, energy, climate change, financial reform, transportation, and the list goes on—one might wonder how an issue like intellectual property could gain much traction. I would argue that IP is more important than ever precisely because we are addressing these key issues.

Last year, Congress passed the bipartisan PRO-IP Act to protect the ownership rights of inventors and creators while ensuring the products consumers use are authentic, safe and effective. President Obama's choice of Victoria Espinel as the nation's first IP enforcement coordinator is significant, and marks an important step towards fulfilling the promise of the PRO-IP Act.

In an address to the Hudson Valley Community College, President Obama highlighted the role innovation plays in economic growth and job creation, citing the next steps needed to lay the foundation for America's "innovation economy of the future."

The president then put forward some key themes to propel America into this new era of innovation. I am encouraged by the President's words and his commitment to innovation as an essential component to a strong and vibrant economy. His positioning on this issue could not have come at a better time.

Recently the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming held a hearing titled Roadmap for Copenhagen — Driving towards Success.

In the 2009-2010 Global Competitiveness Report, released on Tuesday by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the United States regrettably lost its crown as the world’s most competitive economy due to its current financial instability.  Interestingly enough, the report emphasized the importance of innovation and creativity to individual nation’s economies by ranking intellectual property (IP) as a key part in a country’s global competitiveness.

The Department of Justice’s recent announcement providing $1.9 million in federal grants for intellectual property (IP) enforcement is welcome news for American consumers, workers, and businesses, and DOJ should be commended for addressing the growing counterfeiting and piracy problem that is infecting all sectors of our economy.

The Coalition for Healthy India, sponsored by the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) today conducted the Indian launch of its report on "The Value of Incremental Pharmaceutical Innovation: Benefits for Indian Patients and Indian Business". As you may know, currently India’s patent law discriminates against a large portion of valuable pharmaceutical innovation. This report focuses on the impact of restrictive policies in India with respect to medical and pharmaceutical innovation.

On Wednesday, the World Trade Organization (WTO) rightly ruled against China's illegal practice of forcing U.S. owners of copyrighted materials to deal only with state-controlled distribution companies, an onerous requirement that drove up costs, hurt marketing, and created logistical nightmares for American filmmakers, musicians, and others who depend on intellectual property (IP) protections.

With UNFCCC climate change treaty negotiations scheduled to conclude this December in Copenhagen, the Obama Administration should be commended for its support of intellectual property (IP) rights at the ongoing talks. During this week's working group meeting in Bonn, the U.S. established its position on IP clearly and firmly, stating that no treaty will be agreed upon that undermines or weakens intellectual property rights.

President Obama announced yesterday that $2.4 billion in stimulus grants would be awarded to jump start an electric car industry in a number of Midwest states. Four dozen or so projects aimed at developing advanced batteries and other components will receive federal monies.

In his radio address this past weekend, President Obama stressed that the foundation of the future American economy must be based on innovation. The president said "we need to recapture that spirit of innovation that has always moved America forward." He added that "innovation has been essential to our prosperity in the past, and it will be essential to our prosperity in the future."

by Mark Esper

A short while ago here in Geneva, at the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Conference on IP and Public Policy Issues, the U.S. Chamber joined other partners in a press event to launch the Coalition on Innovation, Employment and Development. The Chamber joined this coalition, which has over sixty members, in May.

Ambassador Kirk's recent decision to resume negotiations on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is welcome news for our economy and intellectual property rights. This decision will hopefully lead towards the crafting of an agreement that strengthens enforcement and protects IP as a key driver of innovation, job creation, and economic growth.

The Chamber joined twenty nine other unions, associations and business groups in a letter commending Ambassador Kirk on this decision.

A story caught my eye today and it was amazing how quickly I saw the connections to some of the big issues that the Chamber is working on right now.

A seasoned patent attorney with over twenty years experience in various intellectual property roles, David Kappos would be a strong Director for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. As the nominee for Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, Mr. Kappos would bring an impressive resume and a proven track record of success to the job.

One of the things the business community has been working on in Bonn and in earlier U.N. climate meetings is to get a more formal voice for business in negotiations leading up to December's climate conference in Copenhagen. No one expects that business groups will be sitting around the negotiating table anytime soon--that's not our role. But business does believe it can play a constructive role in finding solutions and pointing out the shortcomings in some of the proposals that are being discussed.

by Steve Eule and Brad Huther

Stephen Eule, the Energy Institute's Vice President for Climate and Technology, offers an update on negotiations at the UN climate change talks currently going on in Bonn, Germany.  Stephen is representing the Institute in Bonn and is part of the U.S. Chamber's delegation to the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen this coming December.

Bonn Lobsters

by Steve Eule and Brad Huther

This week, UN climate change negotiators are meeting in Bonn, Germany for the first official round of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations. The goal of these discussions is to come up with a climate change agreement that can be approved in Copenhagen this December. As part of these meetings, the UN released draft negotiation language which encourages, among other things, a reliance on patent pools as a way of sharing technologies.

by Mark Esper

Recently, the President honored America’s law enforcement community for the job they do in protecting the country and fighting crime. In his tribute, the president emphasized that fighting crime was vital to spurring economic recovery. I couldn’t agree more.

Caroline Joiner and Mark Esper both posted last week on the launch of the Innovation, Development & Employment Alliance (IDEA).

This week, the Chamber joined other business leaders in launching the Innovation, Development & Employment Alliance (IDEA).  IDEA is a coalition committed to championing the role of innovation in driving job creation and developing breakthrough solutions to global challenges. Our goal is to work to bring industry, labor, consumer, and environmental groups together to address these challenges, which include health care, renewable energy, and climate change.

Every invention starts with an idea – ideas that must be respected, encouraged, and protected. Strong intellectual property (IP) laws provide the incentive to transform ideas, from a back-of-the-napkin concept to the most complex mechanical designs or chemical formulas, into products and services to improve and enrich our lives. Key examples include life-saving medicines, software, and other technologies that help us address health, energy, climate change, and agricultural challenges.

In a Swedish court today, the founders of Pirate Bay, along with two other employees, were sentenced to one year in prison after being found guilty of making copyright-protected content accessible for illegal downloading.

Today’s ruling sends an important signal that online criminals who show such blatant disregard for the rights of others will be fully prosecuted under the law.

In Southern California this morning, the House Foreign Affairs Committee is holding a field hearing regarding global copyright piracy.  Today’s gathering is especially timely as aficionados prepare for the summer movie season, and as Congress and the administration consider ways to combat this form of job-destroying theft. 

This afternoon the Senate Finance Committee will hear testimony from former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk, President Obama’s nominee to be the next U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).  Nearly two months into the administration, we are pleased to see movement on one of the most vital positions for intellectual property (IP) protection, promotion and enforcement.  Trade in general, and IP rights in particular, can play a major role in the nation’s economic recovery.

Earlier today, the RAND Corporation released a report documenting the startling nexus between organized crime and intellectual property theft.  In "Film Piracy and its Connection to Organized Crime and Terrorism," the report's authors provide compelling evidence of "a broad… and continuing connection between film piracy and organized crime."

Yesterday in Philadelphia, Vice President Joe Biden launched the White House Task Force on Middle Class Working Families with an inaugural discussion on "Green Jobs: A Pathway to a Strong Middle Class."  The fact that the Vice President would kick off this important initiative by focusing on green jobs is a clear sign the administration recognizes the potential of new energy technologies to create jobs at all levels of the workforce and revitalize the economy.

Earlier today, President Barack Obama announced the nomination of former Washington governor Gary Locke as commerce secretary.  In light of this announcement, a review of Locke’s record on intellectual property suggests a significant degree of familiarity and experience with these issues and a keen appreciation of the role creative ownership rights play in incentivizing inventors, entrepreneurs and companies to innovate and create jobs.

Earlier today, President Barack Obama announced the nomination of Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) as commerce secretary.  In light of this announcement, a review of Gregg’s record on intellectual property suggests a significant degree of familiarity and experience with this issue.  More importantly, his record and previous statements demonstrate a keen appreciation of the role creative ownership rights play in incentivizing inventors, entrepreneurs and companies to innovate and create jobs.

There was a real football game in Tampa yesterday, but, as CNN reported, many fakes were on the streets, and in your homes:

Earlier today, the Chamber’s GIPC released our "IP Protection and Enforcement Manual," a publication designed to help businesses protect their consumers and brands.  The manual features case studies on proven strategies companies are implementing to protect their creative assets from criminal counterfeiting and piracy.

Earlier today, President-elect Barack Obama announced his selection of former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk as the next U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). In light of this announcement, a review of Kirk's record on intellectual property (IP) offers some encouraging insights about the economic benefits he attributes to IP.

For example:

The Global Intellectual Property Center has announced our priorities for 2009. They are based on our commitment to working with the Obama Administration and 111th Congress to formulate and build support for pro-IP policies that will have a lasting positive impact on job creation, America’s economic competitiveness and our sustained economic growth. A detailed list can be found on our website or on the U.S. Chamber's transition page. Below Dr.

Amid the flurry of over 11,000 delegates attending the second week of UNFCCC Conference proceedings, I am encouraged by the prospect of new partnerships in the Chamber's mission to advance the development and deployment of technologies to tackle climate issues.

I received positive feedback from an important member of Congress regarding the value of intellectual property rights and whole-heartedly stated "we were preaching to the choir," when we presented the Chamber's perspective on IPR issues.

Dank weather and a day off from negotiations didn’t dampen the turnout at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce event on technology today. Before a full house, experts from the U.S. Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy and Global Intellectual Property Center as well as General Electric led a discussion on the importance of technology innovation in tackling global climate change.

As you read this, climate negotiators at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Poznan, Poland—better known as COP-14—will be finishing up the first of two weeks of talks on a new international approach to address climate change. This meeting marks the half-way point between COP-13 in Bali, Indonesia, where these rounds of negotiations were launched earlier this year, and COP-15 next December in Copenhagen, Denmark, where they are scheduled to conclude (more in hope than in expectation, it must be said).

As reported on ClimateWire:

Earlier today, President-elect Barack Obama announced his selection of Eric Holder as the next attorney general.  In light of this announcement, a review of Mr. Holder’s record on intellectual property (IP) issues offers an encouraging sign about the incoming administration’s commitment to enforce and improve IP rights.  As deputy attorney general in the Clinton Administration, Mr. Holder was a leading figure in the Justice Department’s launch of its "Intellectual Property Rights Initiative."

The U.S. Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center has been leading the fight against the growing threat of counterfeiting and piracy to the economy, jobs, and consumer health and safety.

Things to read this afternoon:

The U.S. Chamber has sponsored a Gallup study which took a look at the impact of counterfeiting and piracy in Atlanta. The survey found that nearly 1 in 5 consumers have purchased an illicit product in the past year; 41 percent in the 18-24 age group have purchased an illicit product in that period; more than 80 percent say the ability to easily obtain them influenced their purchase decision; and a majority greatly underestimate the economic impact of these crimes.

Matthew Kay has this paragraph in a much longer piece on technology and teaching:

You can find Holy Dow! anywhere as the markets roared back yesterday.  But here is a story you might have missed:

At yesterday's 5th Annual Intellectual Property Summit, Chamber members and allies were treated to a full day of thoughtful and important discussions about the future of American innovation and the role of intellectual property rights.  Below is a re-cap from Intellectual Property Watch:

At the Chamber’s 5th Annual Intellectual Property Summit today, Ney Lopes, a professor of constitutional law at the State University of Ro Grande do Norte in Brazil, participated in a panel discussion entitled Transparent Discoveries: How Patents Rocognize Inventors and Make Knowledge and its Benefits Available to All.  Lopes is a former member of Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies and and author of the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Law.

Below are some excerpts from a paper he has written on the subject:

At the Chamber’s 5th Annual Intellectual Property Summit today, Fred Hassan, Chairman and CEO of Schering-Plough Corporation, delivered the morning keynote address. His speech, Fueling Innovation: To Be Our Best for a Better World, touched on the importance of supporting America’s innovation economy.

Below are some excerpts:

The U.S. Chamber’s 5th Annual Intellectual Property Summit is in full swing today and we will have posts up all day.  U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue used the occasion to urge President George W. Bush to follow the Senate and House’s lead and approve the PRO-IP Act. The Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act (S.

Given the urgent challenges confronting the American economy, why do I want to devote today’s column to protecting intellectual property (IP) and preventing IP theft, counterfeiting, and piracy? Because America’s ability to compete in the global economy and create 21st century jobs for our children and grandchildren depend on our ability to lead the world in innovation. And the key to innovation is intellectual property.

One of America's greatest assets is our drive to innovate. And innovation may be the most important element in ensuring our long-term global competitiveness. Investing in and protecting innovation is the topic today for Dear44, a series of advice for the next president. Caroline Joiner, vice president for the U.S. Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center had this to say:

The Senate today passed legislation to protect intellectual property. U.S. Chamber President and CEO had these remarks:

The U.S. Chamber commends the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce for their continued efforts on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).  As part of ongoing negotiations and public consultations, the Department of Commerce yesterday hosted a public forum where information on the agreement was presented and stakeholders were provided another opportunity to voice their views and concerns.

The Raleigh-based based News & Observer ran a column of mine today on the importance of intellectual property for innovation and growth.  Some selections:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce commends members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which approved the "Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act of 2008 (S. 3325)," a bill that would bolster the federal government’s ability to protect intellectual property (IP).

Among other measures, this legislation would toughen civil and criminal laws against counterfeiting and piracy, provide enhanced IP enforcement and prosecutorial resources, and improve IP coordination within the executive branch.

Earlier today, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the "International Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement Act of 2008," a bill that would boost enforcement of intellectual property rights around the world.

We had a busy day this morning at the State House in Columbus.  The weather was great, and there were lots of people stopping by to talk with us about the bus tour.  More than 60 people signed up for VoteForBusiness, and many toured the bus and chatted with us about the issues that matter to them in the upcoming election.

I couldn't go to Stone Mountain yesterday without taking a picture of the Confederate Memorial Carving, so here is one with the bus in front of it. More bus photos here.

A N.Y. Post column today looks at the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, "where some attendees argue that pharmaceutical patents are the main barrier to getting medicines to the poor."  We hear this argument often.  In his column however, Thompson Ayodele, Executive Director of Initiative for Public Policy Analysis, a public-policy think tank based in Lagos, Nigeria, digs deeper:

Earlier today, the Global Intellectual Property Center held a Congressional briefing with the New Democrat Coalition to discuss the importance of IP as a job creator and solution to global challenges.  Among the panel participants was Michael Atieh, who serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of

New laws go into effect today in Virginia designed to crack down on counterfeit products.  The Chamber's Caroline Joiner spoke with Fox5 in D.C.

Gas prices hit a new high yesterday, with a national average of $4.09 a gallon. Gas prices are up 3% in the last month and  almost 38% from a year ago. Oil is selling for about $140 a barrel, off $3 from its recent high.

The Chamber's Bruce Josten was quoted in an article in The Washington Post yesterday on paralysis in the Senate and its failure to address big issues. Said Josten: "It's a delay-of-game Congress.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today recognized World Anti-Counterfeiting Day, on the same day that the Senate Finance Committee heard testimony from federal government officials regarding trade enforcement and the protection of intellectual property.

A week ago the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing about protecting consumers by protecting intellectual property.  Ensuring public safety is one of many goals that depend on protecting our ideas and supply chains; in fact, our entire economy is reliant on the strong innovation protection. This was made quite clear in the testimony last week:

This morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing about the importance of "Protecting Consumers by Protecting Intellectual Property."  Following the U.S. House’s recent overwhelming vote in favor of H.R. 4279 (the PRO-IP Act), the bipartisan nature of protecting IP is clear.

This week, representatives from 12 nations and the European Union met in Geneva to discuss the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).  The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) offers this detailed rundown of the discussions.

There is a common theme in anti-Intellectual Property circles that business can't be trusted to provide solutions because it is only interested in "profits".  So even though we are strong believers in technological solutions to climate change, I will not use our principles as an example, but rather one of the climate change principles from a staunch environmentalist who, quite frankly, hates the Chamber:

Here’s a column by Perrin Beatty, president & CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which was published in the Toronto Star.  Our colleagues north of the border recently launched the Canadian Intellectual Property Council, which is modeled on the U.S.

As reported by BBC News, Operation Jupiter, an INTERPOL-led investigation targeting transnational counterfeit networks, resulted in 185 new arrests and the seizure of $115 million of illegal goods.  This particular effort brought together INTERPOL, police and customs officials, and businesses affected by counterfeiting and piracy operations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

In the interest of decorum we will let you go over to greatreporter.com to read about the counterfeit condoms, but here are some other snippets from the article.

On Monday, the Chamber’s GIPC hosted top policy advisors from the three presidential campaigns for a discussion on IP.

Congress Daily PM wrote the following about the meeting:

Tom Giovanetti at IPI PolicyBytes recently noted two setbacks to those advocating an anti-IP agenda:

by David Chavern

I usually try to avoid using blog posts to highlight dumb ideas – simply because it tends to draw more attention to such ideas than they deserve. However, some things are so misguided that they deserve special attention.

The U.S. Chamber gets a lot of press, some good, some bad.  Today, we have a good one, on the personnel page no less.  The National Journal offers an excellent profile of the U.S. Chamber’s latest hire, Fran Townsend, as one of my senior advisors and outside consultants. 

I applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for considering important legislation to strengthen intellectual property rights and enforcement.  H.R. 4279, the "Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act (PRO-IP Act)," would toughen civil and criminal laws against counterfeiting and piracy, provide enhanced resources for enforcement, and improve coordination within the executive branch. The U.S.

The Chamber sent this key vote letter today to the Members of the House of Representatives. It strongly urges them to support H.R. 4279, the "Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2007 (PRO-IP Act)"  From the letter:

A few weeks ago, the U.S. Chamber hosted Dr. Dora Akunyili - the director general of Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control - for a discussion about Nigeria's efforts to combat counterfeiting and piracy. Dr. Akunyili highlighted some of the chief barriers to medical access in Nigeria - corruption and inadequate infrastructure.

A new study conducted by a German research institute published in the highly respected journal Nature concludes that parts of North America and Europe may cool naturally over the next decade, due to shifting ocean currents. Average temperatures in areas such as California and France may drop over the next 10 years, influenced by colder flows in the North Atlantic. Temperatures worldwide may stabilize during this period.

Earlier today, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee passed important legislation to strengthen intellectual property rights and enforcement.  H.R. 4279, the "Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act (PRO-IP Act)," would toughen civil and criminal laws against counterfeiting and piracy, provide enhanced resources for enforcement, and improve coordination within the executive branch. 

The New York Times reports that a fight has broken out in Congress over whether drug makers and other companies should be allowed to keep patents they obtained by misrepresentation or cheating. The issue has emerged as part of legislation to overhaul patent laws. In several cases, the courts have voided patents after finding that companies intentionally misled the Patent and Trademark Office.

The Chamber's John Murphy had an article in the Latin Business Chronicle yesterday based on the speech he gave at the Americas Innovation Forum in Punta del Este, Uruguay, on March 31, 2008.  The article is a soup to nuts explanation of intellectual property (IP), its importance to development, and the staggering economic impact caused by counterfeiting, piracy, and, quite frankly, bad IP policy decisions.  Take the time to read the full arti

Illicit: The Dark Trade had its broadcast debut tonight.  I have to say, it was a very disturbing hour of television.  Here were some things which stuck with me, this is from memory, go to The True Costs website for citable data.

Last week I discussed how the theft of intellectual property (IP) is really an attack on innovation and ideas, two things that drive America’s economy.

It’s easy to cite statistics that underscore the severity of the problem. For example, the theft of IP through counterfeiting and piracy costs the U.S. economy $250 billion annually and has wiped out 750,000 jobs. It costs the global economy about $650 billion a year.

Don't forget, on Wednesday night, nationwide on PBS, Illicit: The Dark Trade, makes its broadcast premiere.

Some IP news items and a plug for Illicit, showing next Wednesday nationwide on PBS.

Government meddling in drug pricing amounts to extortion (h/t IPI PolicyBytes)

America’s economy is struggling. Health care costs are rising, gas prices are at record highs, and the subprime crisis is dramatically slowing the economy. The question on everyone’s mind is, Are we in a recession? The better question is, How can we succeed in the competitive worldwide economy?

Much of our economic strength comes from good old American know-how. The relentless focus of our businesses, entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers on improving productivity and introducing new innovations helps drive growth, create jobs, and raise wages.

Following a successful global debut last week in Washington D.C., Illicit: The Dark Trade will premiere tonight in New York City. At the first screening, the message conveyed struck a cord with the more than 400 industry representatives, policy makers, and thought leaders in attendance, and we anticipate similar feedback tonight.

CIPE Development Blog had a nice post about Illicit: The Dark Trade. The film, showing nationwide on PBS April 16th, is based on the bestselling book by Dr. Moisés Naím.  Dr. Naím sat down with the Chamber last year to discuss how smugglers, copycats and traffickers are hijacking the global economy.

Last night I had the pleasure of participating in the world premiere of Illicit: The Dark Trade.

Barun Mitra had an interesting article in the Des Moines Register yesterday on the false promise of compulsory licensing.  Mitra writes:

Thailand's health minister recently announced that the nation's state-run drug manufacturer, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization, would continue to violate the patents on four key cancer drugs.

Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking at the US Chamber and PhRMA sponsored event, "Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals: The Scope and Effects of the Epidemic". I joined Billy Tauzin, President and CEO of PhRMA, and Brad Huther, Senior Coordinator of Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy, US Chamber of Commerce Global Intellectual Property Center.

"Illicit: The Dark Trade", premiering tonight, and on PBS nationwide April 16th, is an important film which exposes the criminal networks behind the multibillion dollar global trade of illicit goods.  These criminal networks are using sophisticated global distribution networks to peddle everything from fake medical devices and pharmaceuticals to toothpaste and DVDs.

by Katie Wilson

Last week we discussed how the theft of intellectual property (IP) is really an attack on innovation and ideas, two things that drive America's economy.

Original ideas and innovation are the foundation of every industry and the core of our economic progress.  Innovative industries create jobs, spur economic growth, and develop new products that help people and make a real difference in daily life.  In the U.S., economists trace 30-40% of all gains in productivity and growth over the course of the 20th century to economic innovation in its various forms.  Today, approximately two-thirds of the value of America’s large businesses can be traced to the intangible assets that we call intellectual property (IP).

• Costs and Benefits of the Patent System - a book review
• Tax Threat to American Innovation, Part III - a video review
• A Solution, Courtesy of the MIT Faculty - a fantasy review

My little "on this date" calendar tells me that on March 14, 1950 the FBI began releasing their "10 Most Want Fugitives" list; which is online now.

To commemorate this little bit of public relations, here is Chamber's "10 Most Wanted" as of today, in no particular order.

We have seen over the past few years misguided and increasingly misplaced calls for the abandonment of intellectual property protections.  As media coverage swirls about the state of the economy a few facts come to mind:

• Disconnect on Drug Patents
• H-1B Visas, Creating More Jobs for Americans

Intellectual property (IP) protection is among a handful of issues that will determine America’s competitiveness in the 21st century. The ability to create, innovate, and generate the best artistic, technological, and knowledge-based intellectual property, is the formula for continued growth in the global economy and fundamental to the promotion of human progress. Criminal networks are able to exploit systemic weaknesses to line their pockets by producing dangerous and defective products exacting a high toll in lives, public health and safety, and national security.

I don’t know how many of you read Cigar Aficionado, but I am a regular subscriber.  In the April issue, there is a great article entitled "Faking It" by Frederick Mostert, about the incredibly full range of counterfeit and pirated products that are available in the world – including copies of the rare 1967 Ferrari P4, only 4 of which were ever made!

Want to get somewhere fast and in style?  Hop in the seat of your brand new Fiero?  The egregiousness of counterfeiters reveals itself once again.  When you can knock-off Louis Vuitton handbags, why not try your luck in luxury transport.

• State Attorney Generals Abuse Their Power - I need to set this phrase up as an auto-complete
• Fake Chinese Anti-Malarial Drug Makers Apprehended - IP theft isn't just music downloads kids

By Caroline Joiner

And now the grand prize winner from our "Fight the Fakes" contest, which appeared as part of a special Weekly Reader anti-counterfeiting and piracy curriculum developed in conjunction with the Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center.

By Caroline Joiner

Yesterday we published the ten second place winners from our "Fight the Fakes" contest, which appeared as part of a special Weekly Reader anti-counterfeiting and piracy curriculum developed in conjunction with the Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center.

The Chamber's "Fight the Fakes" poster contest, held in cooperation with Weekly Reader, asked students to design an original art piece to educate their peers, their communities, and consumers about the threats of counterfeiting and piracy. "Our efforts are not only focused on cutting off the supply of counterfeit and pirated goods, but also cutting off the demand for those goods," says David Hirschmann, president and CEO of the Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center. "We can better shape and change attitudes about counterfeiting and piracy by reaching the consumers of tomorrow."

Yesterday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a 27% increase in the value of seized counterfeit or pirated goods from 2006 to 2007. Seizures included 144,000 tubes of counterfeit Colgate toothpaste, some tainted with a poisonous chemical found in anti-freeze, electrical equipment, and apparel. 

The ability to generate knowledge-based intellectual property (IP) is essential to America's prosperity and leadership. Counterfeiting, piracy, and IP theft cost U.S. companies $250 billion annually and 750,000 American jobs.

Tom Donohue and Bruce Josten discuss the economic impact of counterfeiting and piracy at the State of American Business press conference.

The complete Q&A from the press conference can be found at www.youtube.com/uscc

Next Tuesday, January 8th, I will be delivering my annual State of American Business address, laying out the Chamber's agenda for the year ahead.

A few days ago the Royal Canadian Mounted Police raided a DVD counterfeiting ring that was capable of turning out 14,000 DVD’s a day.  Good for them.

The downside to these types of stories hitting the news is that many people still believe that counterfeiting is still a matter of merely downloading songs illegally off the Internet or buying a fake handbag from a street vendor.

By Tom Donohue

In recent months I’ve been traveling around the country delivering a series of speeches on challenges America must meet and master in order to succeed in a tough global economy. Together, these challenges comprise the Chamber’s competitiveness agenda. Over the next five years – and beyond – we plan to focus extraordinary resources to advance these issues because they hold the key to our nation’s future economic success.