US Mission Geneva

Intellectual property rights would be strengthened under a “first-of-its-kind” alliance of trading partners, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), signed by eight nations in Tokyo on October 1.

Ambassador Betty King delivered a statement on behalf of the Group B, industrialized countries, at the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). She stated that “we are pleased with WIPO’s efforts in encouraging innovation and creativity throughout all regions of the world, while promoting a balanced and effective international intellectual property system. These efforts will continue to foster the economic, social and cultural development of all countries.”

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its annual Special 301 Report on the adequacy and effectiveness of U.S. trading partners’ protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). To support American jobs that depend on innovation and creativity, USTR offers to develop Action Plans with trading partners to address IPR issues of concern

On the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day, U.S. Ambassador Betty E. King announced that the U.S. Department of State has awarded a grant to WIPO for a series of seminars and programs that will develop the skills and tool to help local authorities raise awareness about the risk of counterfeit products.

To commemorate World Intellectual Property Day, Amb. King announced that the U.S. will award a grant to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to build public awareness of the dangers to health and safety associated with counterfeit products.

Ambassador King made remarks at the World Intellection Property Organization to mark Qualcomm, a leading American technology firm, filing the 2 Millionth Patent Application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

The United States places technology and innovation at the forefront of our diplomatic and development efforts, not least because innovation continues to drive economic growth and job creation in Seattle and across the United States. That’s why emphasize the importance internationally and multilaterally of intellectual property laws – protecting patents, copyrights, and trademarks – which are essential for fostering innovation and creativity and contribute to American competitiveness and our economic well-being.

Transcript of statements by David Kappos, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Sharon Barner, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

WIPO’s ongoing strategic re-alignment (SRP) process has worked to reform the Organization’s programs, resources and structures with a new set of strategic goals. These have enabled WIPO to respond more effectively to the rapidly evolving technological, cultural and geo-economic environment, as well as to respond to the urgent global challenges of today, which IP can have a role in addressing.