DOC Announces Release of 2006 Intellectual Property Enforcement and Protection Report
The Department of Commerce (DOC) has issued a press release announcing that on September 28, 2006, the Bush Administration released the 2006 Report to President and Congress on Coordination of Intellectual Property (IP) Enforcement and Protection.
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The DOC states that the report sets forth the actions and initiatives that the U.S. government has taken over the past year to combat the rising tide of global counterfeiting and piracy.
The following are highlights of the IP enforcement and protection report (partial list):
Expansion of STOP! program. The Administration is expanding STOP! (Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy) education outreach events for small and medium-sized businesses, including China-focused programs. (STOP! fact sheet available at http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Fact_Sheets/2004/asset_upload_file507_6462.pdf)
Expansion of StopFakes.gov Web site. The Administration is expanding the StopFakes.gov Web site and improving online resources for innovators and industry. (StopFakes.gov Web site available at http://www.stopfakes.gov/)
Launch of U.S.-EU IPR strategy. The Administration's leadership led to the launch of the U.S.-EU Action Strategy for the Enforcement of IPR.
Expansion of DOC attach programs. The DOC's expansion of its IP attach program in China and positioning of new regional attachs in Brazil, Russia, India, Thailand and the Middle East.
Strengthening of IP protection with Canada and Mexico. The DOC and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) are working to strengthen IP protection with Canada and Mexico as part of the Administration's Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP).
Utilization of Special 301 process and other WTO tools. USTR is utilizing the Special 301 process and other trade tools, including World Trade Organization (WTO) tools as appropriate, to seek resolution of U.S. concerns regarding IP protection and enforcement.
Strengthening of IPR laws, etc. USTR is continuing its work to strengthen IPR laws and enforcement and forge an international alliance against counterfeiting and piracy.
Expansion of educational programs, etc. The DOC is expanding its education and capacity building programs through the Global IP Academy.
(The DOC also states that the Bush Administration is actively working with Congress to pass the Intellectual Property Protection Act of 2005. The Act is comprehensive reform package that would toughen penalties for IP crimes, expand criminal IP protection, and add investigative tools for criminal and civil IPR enforcement.)
DOC press release (dated 09/28/06) available at http://www.commerce.gov/opa/press/Secretary_Gutierrez/2006_Releases/September/28_IPReport_JointRelease.htm
Intellectual Property Enforcement and Protection Report (dated 09/28/06) available at http://www.commerce.gov/opa/press/Secretary_Gutierrez/2006_Releases/September/2006%20IP%20report.pdf