Smith Applauds International Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

Smith Applauds International Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

Washington, D.C. –House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today applauded the signing of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) in Japan. Started in 2006 under the Bush administration, the agreement brings together countries to establish an effective international framework to combat global counterfeiting and piracy and better protect intellectual property.  The negotiating countries include:  Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland and the United States of America.

Chairman Smith:  “Today’s agreement underscores the importance of strong international partnerships in our battle against global counterfeiting and piracy. The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement brings together a coalition of countries committed to the protection of intellectual property through enhanced enforcement and international cooperation.

“In order to preserve America’s place as a leader in the global economy, we must protect America’s intellectual property.  IP industries employ 19 million Americans, contribute more than 60% of U.S. exports, and support tens of thousands of small businesses across the country.  According to estimates, IP theft costs the US economy more than $100 billion annually and results in the loss of thousands of American jobs.

“But we cannot fight the battle against global counterfeiting and piracy alone.  It will take an international coalition to effectively protect our intellectual property. This agreement better protects America’s intellectual property by encouraging other countries to adopt stronger IP enforcement practices and work together to combat counterfeiting and piracy.”

More information regarding the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement can be found at: www.ustr.gov/acta.