WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President of the Global Innovation Policy Center Patrick Kilbride issued the following statement in response to the release of the 2018 Special 301 Report by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR):
“Intellectual-property intensive industries account for 45 million American jobs, over one-third of U.S. GDP, and more than half of all U.S. exports. The creation of intellectual capital through innovation and creativity is one of America’s core strengths, so our workers and industries are harmed when our trading partners fail to respect IP rights.
“As noted in this latest report, there are several areas of ongoing concern in the global innovation marketplace. China remains a major challenge for innovators; countries including Colombia and Malaysia have serious work to do to raise their standards; and even some developed economies are backsliding on IP rights. For example, our submission noted the ongoing Incentive Review, which seems likely to make matters worse in the European Union.
“The report’s inclusion of Canada and Mexico is a reminder of the opportunity that exists to strengthen North America’s leadership on IP through the ongoing NAFTA negotiations; it’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
“We also welcome the special attention the report paid to health care innovation. A return of fair value on investment is critical to the continued development of breakthrough medical technologies.
“We are encouraged by important steps taken by India in 2017 to implement its 2016 National IPR Policy and other countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, and Vietnam are similarly investing in IP policy changes.”
U.S. Chamber Welcomes USTR Special 301 Report
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President of the Global Innovation Policy Center Patrick Kilbride issued the following statement in response to the release of the 2018 Special 301 Report by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR):
