[Ip-health] U.S. Chamber Launches Global Intellectual Property Center

[robert weissman]

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Press Statement
October 3, 2007

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U.S. Chamber Launches Global Intellectual Property Center

Counterfeiting and Piracy Seen as Increasing Threat

WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue
today announced the formation of the Global Intellectual
Property (IP) Center at the Chamber's 4th Annual
Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Summit. The center will build
upon existing efforts and is dedicated to protecting and
defending intellectual property and innovation around the globe.

"The intellectual property of our key industries is under
assault around the globe and we believe that IP protection is
among a handful of issues that will determine America's
competitiveness in the 21st century," said Tom Donohue. "If we
lose our ability to create, innovate, and generate the best
artistic, technological, and knowledge-based IP, then our
economic formula for success in the global economy will fail."

Among the center's top priorities will be to (1) demonstrate to
global policymakers that the failure to protect IP undermines
innovation and investment, erodes living standards, and
endangers public health; (2) conduct a sustained, comprehensive
communications campaign to convince lawmakers to strengthen IP
protection; and (3) build a coalition of IP advocates around the
world.

Also at the Summit, the Chamber released a new national Gallup
study showing that more than 1 in 5 Americans purchased
counterfeit products last year. The study on consumers'
behaviors and attitudes about counterfeit and pirated goods
cited the number one reason for purchase was easy availability.

The study also found that less than a third of those questioned
were aware that counterfeiting and piracy go well beyond luxury
items to dangerous and defective products including tainted
toothpaste, fake medicines and medical devices, exploding
batteries, and fake auto parts. 72% of U.S. residents believe
counterfeiting and piracy laws should be made stricter, and 9 in
10 Americans believe it should be illegal to buy counterfeit
products.

"Counterfeiting and piracy are serious problems, with serious
implications for jobs, health, and safety," said Caroline
Joiner, executive director of the Chamber's Global
Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Initiative. "These numbers show
that the problem is real and getting worse and the Chamber is
not going to sit by idly as the livelihood of citizens and
businesses around the world suffer the consequences."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation,
representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of
every size, sector, and region.
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