U.S. Chamber Joins Government and Industry Leaders to Combat Counterfeiting and Piracy

WASHINGTON, DC-At its 3rd Annual Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Summit, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, and an array of concerned business leaders to strengthen their commitment to the fight against counterfeiting and piracy.

"Counterfeiting and piracy cost the U.S. economy more than $250 billion a year and an estimated 750,000 jobs," said David Hirschmann, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "It is a pervasive problem, with far-reaching consequences for our lives, our businesses, and our economy. This summit gives government leaders and the business community an opportunity to share knowledge, strategy, and a commitment to protecting American consumers from dangerous and defective products."

The summit, organized by the U.S Chamber as part of its Global Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Initiative, offered several new reports on issues, such as a supply chain protection tool kit that offers best practices that businesses can use to help secure their supply chain from counterfeit goods. Another report described how Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) can be used to track product identity and movement from manufacture to retail outlets.

Counterfeit and pirated products run the gamut from fake prescription drugs and dangerous, defective medical devices to pirated software, from faulty electrical appliances and machine tools to consumer products such as apparel and personal hygiene products.

"A close working relationship between government and industry is imperative in this important fight," said Hirschmann. "The Chamber and the nearly 200-member Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy are pleased to join the federal government as a key partner in its efforts to bring this issue to the forefront of the global community."

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.

www.uschamber.com

# # #

06-158