Economy
Software Piracy is Chipping Away at Our Innovative Potential
May 17, 2012By Steve Tepp
This week marked the release of the latest edition of a much anticipated annual report on digital piracy. The bottom line of the 2011 Business Software Alliance (BSA) Global Software Piracy Study is not totally surprising—with an 8% increase in pirated products to a market value of $63.4 billion—but reinforces the fact that what we’re confronting is a massive illicit industry that chips away at our innovative potential.
That is $63 billion that is not being paid to employees, not being invested in new, innovative products, and on which taxes are not being paid.
The U.S. is not only missing out on the revenue or added GDP, but we’re also missing out on the workforce potential.
World IP Day: Celebrate American Jobs, Innovation, and Prosperity
Apr 26, 2012By Mark Elliot
Today as we celebrate the 12th annual World Intellectual Property Day, we find ourselves reflecting on the heightened dialogue surrounding intellectual property over the past year. What has become very evident is the fact that so few people—from elected officials, to the public, to business leaders—actually know what IP is.
They may not seem so important, but patents, trademarks, and copyrights make up a very important element of our economic and social well-beings.
IP by the Numbers
Apr 12, 2012By Mark Elliot
Yesterday, the White House and Department of Commerce released a first-of-its-kind report on just how important IP-intensive industries are to America’s economic prosperity. At the launch event, Commerce Secretary Bryson and IPEC Victoria Espinel were joined by the Chamber’s President and CEO, Tom Donohue, to talk about the contribution of IP to economic growth and the four-letter word that’s one everyone’s mind: Jobs.
So, let’s take a look at the numbers:
- 40,000,000 – The number of jobs both directly and indirectly supported by IP-intensive industries.
- 27.7% – Total jobs in U.S.
Copyright Piracy: We All Lose
Mar 19, 2012By Steve Tepp
I think it’s safe to assume that most of us aren’t particularly fond of paying taxes, a thought that hits home this time of year. In a study released today, the Phoenix Center found that the effect of digital theft of intellectual property (IP) is similar to that of a “distortionary tax” on innovation.
The study, “Social Well-Being and IP Theft: A Dynamic Economic Analysis,” provides a detailed analysis which takes direct aim at debunking the misnomer that IP theft is costless. In fact, the study finds that digital piracy imposes significant costs, not only to creators, but also to the general social welfare.
It is obvious and universally agreed upon that innovation and creativity provide great benefits to society.
GIPC Registers Support for House Introduction of the Online Pharmacy Safety Act
Feb 28, 2012By Mark Elliot
Today the House of Representatives introduced an important piece of legislation, the Online Pharmacy Safety Act (H.R. 4095), which will advance consumer online safety as it pertains to ordering prescriptions online. Under the leadership of Rep. Bill Cassidy M.D. (R-LA) and Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR), this bill protects consumers by closing a loophole in the definition of a “valid prescription” and creating a public registry of legitimate online pharmacies.
This legislation couldn’t come at a more appropriate time. As more and more Americans turn to the Internet to fill their prescriptions, they lack the tools to make an informed choice about which online pharmacies are legitimate and which are dangerous or outright scams.
The Cancer of Counterfeits
Feb 28, 2012By Mark Elliot
Today, the Wall Street Journal reported just what exactly the masterminds behind the counterfeit versions of Avastin, a medicine meant to treat cancer, put in this fake treatment. A quick glance at the ingredients would tell anyone that this is not a recipe for good health. In lieu of active ingredients used in usual biologics medicines, patients could have instead received injections of plastics softener, starch and chemicals found in animal feed.
This news has set off alarm bells across hospitals and clinics worldwide. While fraudulent prescriptions have traditionally deceived patients and sometimes pharmacists, counterfeit injectables are now duping doctors.
Chamber’s Donohue Outlines Commitment to IP as Pathway to U.S. Innovation
Jan 12, 2012By Mark Elliot
Today, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue delivered his annual State of American Business address, which highlighted the challenges and priorities facing the business community in 2012. In particular, Donohue looked to intellectual property (IP) rights and the pending rogue sites bills as vehicles for maintaining American competitiveness.
“To grow our economy and create jobs, we also need to maintain and advance our leadership as the most innovative economy and people on earth.
GIPC and CPSC Issue Guidelines for Smart Online Shopping
Dec 12, 2011By Rob Calia
During this holiday season, it’s hard to believe that “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” Americans are taking to their mice—computer mice, that is—in record numbers to facilitate their holiday shopping. The Department of Commerce expects a 15.7% jump in online 3Q spending over last year’s $44.7 billion.
While we look to the Internet for blowout deals or totally unique items, online consumers must remain vigilant about who they are purchasing their products from. Unfortunately, the line between legitimate and illicit can get increasingly fuzzy over the anonymity of the Internet, with devious websites selling fake products that could expose consumers to identity theft, malware, or even physical harm.
Today, the U.S.
Chamber Applauds the Release of Copyright Office’s Strategic Plan
Oct 25, 2011By Steve Tepp
Today, the United States Copyright Office released its two-year strategic plan, which outlines 17 priorities and 10 special projects designed to address current and future challenges in copyright protection. The GIPC applauds the Copyright Office and Register of Copyrights, Maria Pallante, on this forward-thinking vision for the Copyright Office and the American copyright system.
Among the priorities are issues such as illegal streaming and the negotiation and implementation of copyright provisions in trade agreements. We are also extremely pleased to see combating rogue websites as the top legislative priority for the Copyright Office.
New Legislation Will Protect Innovative Fashion Designs
Oct 12, 2011By Rob Calia
Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Congress in support of H.R. 2511, the “Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act” (IDPPPA), which “offers a practical, narrowly tailored, approach to secure important yet limited intellectual property (IP) protection for truly unique, innovative, and original fashion designs.”
The pirating and counterfeiting of fashion designs undermine American jobs.
