U.S. Chamber Commends Latest Congressional Show of Support for the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) commended Congress for its support of protecting intellectual property rights (IP) and curbing the growing crimes of IP theft. The GIPC cited a bipartisan congressional letter from Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) and Representative Adam B. Schiff (D-CA) to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk highlighting the importance of IP to America's economic growth and competitiveness while commending the USTR's efforts in negotiating the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).

"Senator Hatch and Representative Schiff should be commended for their strong support of intellectual property rights and commitment to combating counterfeiting and piracy—crimes that are weakening our economy and killing our jobs," said Dr. Mark T. Esper, executive vice president of the GIPC. "A strong ACTA will enhance international cooperation among nearly 40 countries with an effective framework to protect the creative ownership of inventors, researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs around the world. It is essential that an agreement be reached this year, and congressional support is a key factor in helping to move negotiations forward."

Senator Hatch and Representative Schiff are co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus, representing the views of other members in the House and Senate. The letter emphasizes the importance intellectual property rights (IPR) play in growing our economy, improving living standards, and creating jobs. It also urges more updates as the negotiation process continues next month.

"Senator Hatch and Representative Schiff reaffirm the importance of ACTA and the need for the agreement's successful completion," added Esper. "Their advocacy and leadership in guarding the interests and rights of America's IP-based industries is appreciated. There are millions of American workers whose jobs depend on IP and these advocates in Congress have America's best interests in mind. This latest show of support from Congress is a clear indication that U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk has been keeping Congress informed of the details of this important agreement and its progress."

The Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion intellectual property (IP) as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth, and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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