Government Outreach
The GIPC believes it is imperative for policymakers throughout the government to have a thorough understanding of the role that innovation, creativity, and intellectual property (IP) rights play in our economy, society, and foreign policy. That is why we are actively engaging Congress and Executive Branch officials to raise awareness and build support for the value of strong IP rights, and urging them to take meaningful steps to protect and enforce the rights of innovators and creators.
The GIPC intends to work with the Administration and Congress to achieve the following goals in 2010:
- Passage of legislation to improve the capabilities of U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as Immigration Customs Enforcement to help prevent counterfeit goods from entering the United States;
- Full funding and implementation of the 2008 PRO-IP Act. This includes ensuring the new Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator has the authority, staff and resources to be successful while—developing and implementing the United States’ first-ever national IP strategy;
- Conclusion of a strong, comprehensive Anti Counterfeiting and Trade Agreement (ACTA), which has the potential to enhance international cooperation in fighting IP theft and contains a number of effective measures and new standards for enhancing and better enforcing IP rights;
- Address the growing problem of IP theft, particularly from rogue websites and others who are knowingly trafficking in illicit goods;
- Promote IP compliance by U.S. trading partners by enacting legislation that enhances the U.S. Trade Representative’s “Special 301” process and further engagement with key trading partners such as India and China in strengthening their protection and enforcement of IP rights;
- Enact legislation that expands the current IP attaché program into additional countries; and
- Continue to promote and defend a robust international system of IP rights and norms by approving trade agreements—such as the Korea free trade agreement and the emerging Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.
The GIPC’s ability to mobilize coalitions and form multi-sectoral partnerships has translated into legislative success and increased awareness about the value of strong IP rights to job creation, economic growth, and America’s competitiveness.
The Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy (CACP) released a comprehensive set of recommendations in 2008 to combat IP theft known as the Campaign to Protect America. This initiative prompted Congress to enact the PRO-IP Act (H.R. 4279) in October 2008. The CACP continues to focus on securing passage of the remaining components of the Campaign to Protect America and other legislative initiatives.
At the same time, the GIPC—through its partnership with the Coalition for Innovation, Employment and Development (CIED)—is equally involved in promoting the vital role that strong international laws, norms, and rules around the world play in creating jobs, driving economic growth, and creating incentives that lead to innovative solutions to address some of the most difficult challenges facing mankind.