WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber Global Innovation Policy Center, Patrick Kilbride, issued the following statement in response to the release of the Special 301 Report by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The annual report reviews the global state of intellectual property (IP) rights protection and enforcement.
“Now, more than ever, society needs IP-driven solutions to solve global problems. Today, intellectual property creators in numerous industries are delivering treatment and vaccine candidates, publishing critical scientific data, offering creative content for learning and entertainment, and pioneering the telecommunications tools to keep us all connected. That’s why we continue to support USTR’s work to study global IP policies through the Special 301 Report.
“This year, the U.S. Chamber highlighted IP-related issues with global markets in its filing, including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Switzerland. In addition, the Chamber’s comments highlighted several trends contextualized through global flashpoints, from the trade of counterfeit pharmaceuticals made in Bangladesh and online content restrictions in Vietnam to discriminatory manufacturing policies in Turkey.
“A shared commitment to safe, effective products from trusted brands is fundamental to our ability to save lives, keep the economy going and connect with people. And nowhere is this commitment more important than the passage of high-standard trade agreements and the resolution of disputes. In China, for instance, the Chamber looks forward to working with both governments to ensure that the IP Action Plan is implemented in this spirit of partnership in order to rebuild trust, restore stability, and better protect consumers around the world.
“In Australia, the Chamber welcomed the recent Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) decision, which will enable Australia to build upon its free and open economy by creating a regulatory framework that recognizes the importance of investing in innovation.
“The U.S. government is to be commended on keeping the focus on these critical capabilities through its Special 301 Report.”
