International
Finding a Path Forward on Chinese IPR
May 9, 2012
The protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) in China is a top priority for both industry and government in both the U.S. and China. The reason for this is clear and can be seen in the recent Department of Commerce study on the importance of IP in the United States: IP-intensive industries support 40 million direct and indirect jobs which accounts for nearly 30 percent of total American jobs. As China continues to seek ways to grow its middle class and support small businesses, protecting IP is increasingly critical for China. During the recent GIPC Industry Mission to China, staff and members delivered in person the GIPC comments regarding the draft amendments to China’s Copyright law amendments.
Innovation and Creativity in Emerging Economies
May 2, 2012On Monday, April 30th, the Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) hosted a panel discussion in Geneva highlighting the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in fostering innovation in emerging economies. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Betty King, served as the moderator of the event and U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Michael Punke, provided closing remarks. The panel was attended by nearly 50 attendees from 23 countries—including 8 ambassadors and other high-level officials. The speakers represented a broad spectrum of interests dependent on IP operating in Brazil, India, and Turkey.
Mr. Paul Needham, the President of Simpa Networks kicked off the panel by discussing the importance of IP for his India-based renewable energy company.
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.
GIPC Welcomes House Bill to Allow CBP Officers to Share Information With Right Holders
Mar 21, 2012By Steve Tepp
The GIPC applauds Representatives Ted Poe (R-TX) and Steve Chabot (R-OH) for introducing legislation, H.R. 4216, to facilitate cooperation between law enforcement and the business sector in fighting the illegal importation of counterfeit and pirated products. The bill directly addresses a significant encumbrance to the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) enforcement of intellectual property rights at the border: the inability of CBP officers to seek the expertise of trademark and copyright owners by sharing information to identify counterfeit and pirated imports.
Supreme IP Rights Needed in China
Mar 19, 2012During the recent Fifth Session of the 11th National People’s Congress, China's Chief Justice Wang Shengjun, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC), delivered a report on the work of the SPC. While the report covered all aspects of the work done by the SPC over the year, there were a number of highlights related to the work the Chinese Judiciary system has done on cracking down on intellectual property rights (IPR) violations.
According to Chief Justice Wang, Chinese courts in 2011 closed a total of 66,000 lawsuits involving IPR violations – an increase of nearly 38% over the previous year.
Stopping Fakes and Promoting Exports
Mar 13, 2012By Gina Vetere
Today, the International Trade Administration launched their redesigned STOPfakes.gov website, which since 2005, has been the hub for information on how businesses and individuals can obtain and enforce their intellectual property (IP) rights overseas.
Intellectual property rights are not necessarily known for being the most easily understood assets to your business, and add that to the varying degrees of protection afforded by foreign governments, and your head may spin. Fortunately, the new STOPfakes.gov website does an excellent job at educating users on their rights and providing avenues for redress.
Promoting a better understanding of IP is essential to promoting U.S. exports.
IP is Not a Trade-Off
Mar 5, 2012By Gina Vetere
Last week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative released the Administration’s 2012 Trade Agenda.
Previewing the Chinese IPR Landscape in 2030
Feb 29, 2012This week the World Bank released the “China 2030 Report,” a study done in partnership with the Chinese State Council analyzing China’s medium-term developmental challenges and looking forward to 2030. This report is important and timely— how China decides to move forward will have lasting consequences on the region, and the world.
As should be expected, protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) in China is highlighted in the Report as an important pillar for enhancing innovation and adopting an open society.
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.
IP Rights in China Remain a Priority
Feb 15, 2012This week’s official visit by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping highlights the importance of the economic relationship between the U.S. and China – and the challenges faced within the bilateral relationship.
