United States: A new strategy for the protection of intellectual property

On 22 June 2010, the American Administration presented its new strategic plan on intellectual property enforcement. One of the objectives is to propose a model of action which could serve as a base for other governments.

The new strategy is composed of thirty three actions falling into six different categories: 1) Leading by example, 2) Increasing transparency, 3) Ensuring efficiency and coordination, 4) Enforcing; intellectual property rights at the international level, 5) Securing the supply chain, 6) Building a data-driven government.

The strategy was presented by Victoria Espinel, the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC), along with Vice-President Joe Biden, the Attorney General Eric Holder, the Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, the Secretary for Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and the United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk.

During her presentation, Ms Espinel pointed out that counterfeiting and piracy require a “strong” answer. She also underlined that this strategy aims to help all the victims of intellectual property rights infringements.

In addition, Joe Biden highlighted that this strategy is the first general answer addressing intellectual property issues in the United States, as well as the first repressive policy of piracy at the federal level.

For more information: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/intellectualproperty/

• 02-08-2010