U.S. Chamber Recognizes World Intellectual Property Day

President and CEO Tom Donohue calls for stepped up efforts to strengthen global intellectual property rights

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, today recognized the upcoming World Intellectual Property Day and called on governments, organizations, and consumers around the world to step up efforts to strengthen intellectual property (IP) rights.

"America's most valuable resources have always been our people, their talents, and their willingness to take risks to innovate. American innovation has led to job creation, prosperity, and a better standard of living, while providing breakthrough solutions to global problems," said Donohue. "Without strong and fair IP rights at home and abroad, the world's innovators will be deterred from making the necessary investment to address a new era of global challenges."

On April 26 of each year, governments, businesses, and organizations around the world join the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in celebrating World Intellectual Property Day. This year's theme is "Encouraging Creativity."

"Across the world, governments and organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of intellectual property as an engine of progress and prosperity for their people," Donohue stated. "As counterfeiters, IP pirates, and indifferent governments and NGOs step up their efforts to cripple innovation, the U.S. and its allies share the responsibility of cracking down on this illegal activity. By raising public awareness and investing the resources necessary to make their current operating environment as hostile as possible, we can effectively safeguard IP as a tool for progress."

The Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion IP as a vital engine of global development, growth, and human progress.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce 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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