Chamber Expands Fight Against Counterfeiting and Piracy Hires Huther to Lead Effort

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce expanded its fight against counterfeiting and piracy by announcing today that it has hired Brad Huther as its new director for its counterfeiting and piracy initiative, as well as adding additional resources domestically and around the world.

"Combating counterfeiting and piracy is a top priority for the Chamber," said David Hirschmann, Chamber senior vice president. "Most people do not realize pirated and counterfeit products cost the U.S. economy $250 billion a year, cause huge losses in jobs, and have other significant consequences, such as health and safety dangers."

Prior to joining the Chamber, Huther was president and chief executive officer for the International Intellectual Property Institute, an organization committed to strengthening intellectual property systems. Previously, Huther worked on intellectual property issues as special attaché to the World Intellectual Property Organization, senior advisor to the U.S. Department of Commerce, and as associate commissioner and chief financial officer at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Managing IP also named him one of the Top Fifty Most Influential People in the Intellectual Property World.

"Huther's expertise and leadership in this area are a welcome addition in the Chamber's fight against this growing problem," added Hirschmann.

Over the past three months, the Chamber has assembled a team to address the issues of counterfeiting and piracy. In addition to hiring on-the-ground resources in China and Brazil, the Chamber hired brought on Rachel Ding as manager, counterfeiting and piracy initiative. Ding has extensive experience on the issues, having recently worked in China for the Quality Brands Protection Committee.

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

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