Intellectual Property Archives

ICC Unveils 2014 Intellectual Property Roadmap

Published on June 25, 2014

4769_image002The International Chamber of Commerce released its 12th edition of the Intellectual Property Roadmap: Current and Emerging Issues for Business and Policymakers, a report that explains how businesses use intellectual property as an asset that can be used to create value.

The report covers developments with an impact on IP protection as well as creating value from IP, obtaining IP assets, enforcing IP rights and the interaction between IP and other policy areas. There are several new topics, including IP management and licensing, patent quality, harmonization and streamlining of trademark rules, trademark restrictions on packaging, non-traditional marks and innovation.

“The swift pace of change in information and other technologies, and the trend towards more collaboration in innovation, are having a big effect on how IP is used, licensed and protected,” said David Koris, chair of the ICC Commission on Intellectual Property and global head of IP at Shell. “The emergence of new Internet applications and platforms, the increasing use of mobile devices, ever-increasing bandwidth and changing consumer behaviour are making IP owners reconsider how they distribute, commercialize and control their intellectual assets in the electronic environment.”

USCIB is ICC’s American affiliate. Our IP priorities include compulsory licensing, fighting counterfeiting and piracy in global supply chains, and the role IP plays in facilitating technology transfer from country to country, particularly with regard to green technologies.

Staff contact: Helen Medina

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Summit Calls for United Effort to Address IP Abuses

Published on June 17, 2014

4761_image001More than 300 government and business leaders gathered in London last week to press for stronger intellectual property (IP) enforcement measures around the world. The International IP Enforcement Summit was hosted by the United Kingdom IP Organization, European Commission, the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market and the EU Observatory on Infringements of IP.

“The support and involvement of the leaders of these key government organizations is a clear demonstration that enforcement of IP rights is a critical public policy issue,” said Jeff Hardy, director of the International Chamber of Commerce’s Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) initiative.

“We are eager to work with these officials to follow up on discussions from the conference to implement ever stronger policy, legislative and enforcement measures to stop IP theft,” Hardy said.

Business leaders from BASCAP made significant contributions to the summit discourse, including presentations from Hewlett Packard, Lacoste, Microsoft and Unilever on issues ranging from limiting piracy on the Internet and cracking down on border control to improving consumer awareness.

Read more on the ICC website.

Staff contact: Helen Medina.

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Duncan Is New Chair of Intellectual Property Committee

Published on January 1, 2014

Dan Duncan, Senior Director of Government Affairs with McGraw Hill Financial [now S&P Global], has agreed to serve as Chair of USCIB’s Intellectual Property Committee. Dan is responsible for advising the company’s Standard & Poor’s unit on public policy initiatives and analyzing how changes in laws and regulations affect the company’s business. In addition, he chairs McGraw Hill Financial’s anti-piracy committee, and he has been an active member of the IP Committee. Congratulations, Dan, and thank you for your leadership!

We welcome Kristin Isabelli as USCIB’s Director of Customs and Trade Facilitation. In addition to staffing USCIB’s Customs and Trade Facilitation Committee, chaired by Jerry Cook (HanesBrands), Kristin will serve as the International Chamber of Commerce’s representative to the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System Committee, and as a member of the APEC Customs Business Working Group. Kristin comes to USCIB from the House Committee on Ways and Means, where she worked as the trade legislative assistant for Committee Chairman Dave Camp. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College and is currently working toward a master’s degree in international commerce at George Mason University.

In November, USCIB Vice President Shaun Donnelly was one of just a few business panelists at the annual conference of the Vale Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment, which was held in New York. The annual Columbia University conference has become a major gathering place for investment policy experts.  In October, Helen Medina, USCIB’s Senior Director for Product Policy and Innovation, was the keynote speaker at a meeting of senior product stewardship executives organized by the Conference Board, at the headquarters of PPG Industries in Pittsburgh. Helen addressed emerging global discussions that will impact product stewardship.

New USCIB Members

We are delighted to welcome the following companies and organizations as the newest members of USCIB:

Amgen

Bechtel

Caplin & Drysdale

Institute of Scrap Metal Recycling Industries

K&L Gates

Miller & Chevalier

Mishcon de Reya

PPL Corporation

TD Bank

Wal-Mart

To learn more about the benefits of membership in USCIB, please contact Alison Hoiem, Director of Member Services, at 202-682-1291 or ahoiem@uscib.org.

ICC Launches Research Papers on Innovation and Intellectual Property

Published on October 31, 2013

The International Chamber of Commerce unveiled the first in a series of research papers on the interface between innovation and intellectual property (IP) today at a conference in Brazil co-organized by ICC and the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI).

The series of five research papers will provide insights on how IP interacts with decisions, transactions and processes related to technology development and dissemination.

Daphne Yong-d’Herve, chief intellectual property officer at ICC, said the research project aims to contribute to a better and more concrete understanding of the innovation-IP interface. “An improved understanding of how IP is actually used in innovative processes will help inform discussions taking place today among governments, businesses and other stakeholders on how to design frameworks and measures that will help stimulate innovation and growth,” she said.

The first paper, “Enhancing IP Management and Appropriation by Innovative SMEs,” addresses how innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can improve their performance through better management of their intellectual assets.

Further papers will explore issues relating to: innovation and knowledge exchange through global networks and partnerships, the evolving geography of innovation, IP in innovation for non-commercial purposes, and diffusion channels for technology and know-how.

Read more on ICC’s website.

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ICC Welcomes EU Report on IP, Urges Stepped-Up Protection

Published on October 3, 2013

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has hailed the release of a new European Union report revealing that intellectual property-intensive industries generate almost 40 percent of total economic activity and create 26 percent of all jobs in the EU – but cautioned the bloc’s leaders to act on the findings to strengthen intellectual property.

Compiled by the European Commission, the Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market and the European Patent Office, the report – comparable to a 2012 study on the impact of IP industries in the United States – leaves no doubt that IP-based industries are a cornerstone of the European economy. It confirms ICC’s longstanding position that IP and IP rights drive economic growth, investment and employment, and underpin vibrant, innovative and growing economies.

Welcoming the report findings that IP is a critical asset for businesses and economies around the world, ICC Secretary General Jean-Guy Carrier said: “Coming at a time when Europe is facing unprecedented economic challenges, this report demonstrates to European policymakers that if they want to stimulate economic growth and employment, they must support innovative companies that drive the economy. This can be achieved by promoting effective IP systems, and putting in place measures to protect their IP rights.”

 

Read more on the ICC website.

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Business Groups Express Concerns on Senate Effort to Address IP Theft

Published on June 21, 2013

USCIB joined leading U.S. technology and business organizations in urging key senators from both sides of the aisle to take a fresh look at a proposed law on cyber-theft, to avoid any unintended consequences of harming U.S. economic security and competitiveness or hindering trade and commerce.

The groups explained their concerns in a joint letter to Senators Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), John McCain, (R-Ariz.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) — the bipartisan sponsors of S. 884, the Deter Cyber Theft Act. They wrote in part:

Theft of America’s valuable intellectual property and trade secrets through cyber espionage, or other means, is a serious economic security problem for U.S. companies and our country.  In today’s dynamic marketplace, a company’s success is highly dependent on its innovations and competitive advantage, both of which are closely tied to the development and protection of intellectual property. Collectively, the U.S. tech sector spent $80 billion in 2011 protecting and securing their networks against threats, including cyber espionage, and we commend the cosponsors for their demonstrated interest in protecting intellectual property (IP) from theft.

However, we have significant concerns with S. 884, the “Deter Cyber Theft Act,” as introduced, particularly the impact the legislation may have on international commerce and trade at a time when cyber policies are of heightened importance for the global technology ecosystem, as well as the long-term impact on U.S. economic security. For that reason, we urge the cosponsors to engage in a thorough review of this and similar legislation through hearings and markup in the Senate Finance Committee, where S. 884 is currently pending.

We applaud the bipartisan interest in protecting our economically vital intellectual property. However, we believe that we can advance intellectual property protection in a way that does not have a negative impact on our nation’s economic security and competitiveness.  For that reason, we look forward to working collaboratively with the cosponsors to ensure that S. 884 and similar legislation will effectively achieve these important shared goals.

Among the concerns expressed in the letter are S. 884’s potential impediment to international relations, its impact on U.S. exports, and its broad importation ban authority. Click here to read the complete letter. Signatories in addition to USCIB were BSA – The Software Alliance, the Information Technology Industry Council, the National Foreign Trade Council, TechAmerica and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Staff contact: Rob Mulligan

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News Brief: Report Calls for Action to Stop Counterfeiting in Free Trade Zones

Published on May 15, 2013

A new report from ICC’s Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) initiative calls for increased regulation and better management of free trade zones (FTZs) to stop the alarming trend of the use of FTZs to facilitate the manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit products.

The report, Controlling the Zone: Balancing facilitation and control to combat illicit trade in the world’s Free Trade Zones, looks at the increasing vulnerability of FTZs to criminal activities that are facilitating the global trade of counterfeit and pirated products. It summarizes the circumstances that have enabled the exploitation of FTZs, including an examination of weaknesses in international agreements, national legislation and judicial enforcement.

National governments encourage the creation of FTZs to increase trade and attract investment by removing or reducing duties and tariffs, softening customs controls and largely decreasing oversight in FTZs. These incentives have simultaneously made it easier for criminals to set up illicit operations, with increasing evidence showing that FTZs are being exploited to facilitate the international trade in counterfeit and pirated goods.

Last year, USCIB welcomed the Obama administration’s rollback of planned changes to the rules governing U.S. free trade zones. USCIB had earlier said some of the proposed changes would impose significant hurdles for exporters.

Read more and download the report on the ICC website.

Staff contacts: Helen Medina and Nasim Deylami

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IP Protection Key to Russias Economic Development and Growth, ICC BASCAP Warns Leaders

Published on October 22, 2012

4395_image002The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) told business leaders and government officials – including Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev – gathered in Moscow for the International Forum on Anti-counterfeiting 2012 that efforts to stabilize the economy and stimulate economic growth must include intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in order to drive innovation, development and jobs.

“This conference comes at an important time as Russia joins the World Trade Organization (WTO) and takes on direct participation in the WTO Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS),” wrote ICC Secretary General Jean-Guy Carrier in an open letter to the Forum participants. “Russia’s adoption of TRIPs will be a significant boost to the fight against counterfeiting – here in the Russian Federation and worldwide.”

Representing ICC’s Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) initiative at the Forum, BASCAP Director Jeffrey Hardy presented the findings from the BASCAP report “Promoting and Protecting Intellectual Property Rights in the Russian Federation”.  The report sets out BASCAP’s recommendations for policy and legislative changes needed to bring Russia’s IP regime and IP enforcement efforts up to international standards.

Just 20 years ago, Russia was one of the worst IPR infringers in the world, and even with some recent reforms, counterfeiting and piracy in Russia still amounts to a staggering 24% of key retail sales, equal to nearly a trillion rubles, according to the report.

Click here to read more on ICC’s website.

BASCAP – Promoting and Protecting Intellectual Property in the Russian Federation

ICC to Co-Host Intellectual Property Seminar in Beijing

Published on September 25, 2012

beijing lanternsThe International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Commission on Intellectual Property is teaming up with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to co-host a conference entitled “Increasing Economic and Business Competitiveness Using Intellectual Assets” in Beijing on October 26.

Organized principally for Chinese policymakers, corporate representatives and intellectual property (IP) professionals, the event will bring in top speakers from China and beyond, including Tian Lipu, Commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO), David Koris, Global Head of Intellectual Property for Shell, senior figures in the U.S. and European patent offices, and IP specialists from major companies.

Talks will focus on how IP can help businesses and be used in government strategies to boost economic competitiveness, promote innovation and attract investment.

“We’re delighted to be working with CCPIT to organize this conference. Intellectual property is a crucial tool for businesses in today’s economy, and we hope this event will stimulate a fruitful exchange between businesses and government officials from inside and outside China on some key intellectual property issues facing businesses and governments,” said David Koris, who is also Chair of the ICC Commission on Intellectual Property.

Shell, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., State Nuclear Power Technology Cooperation, Monsanto and General Electric are just a few of the businesses whose high-level IP specialists will speak at the event.

For more information on which topics will be discussed, click here.

Staff Contact: Helen Medina

Intellectual Property Conference in Beijing Program

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The Importance of ACTA to Economic Growth and Job Creation

Published on June 7, 2012

BASCAP Wins High Commendation Award on World Anti-Counterfeiting Day

Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) received the 2012 Highly Commended Award in the Association category at the 14th annual Global Anti-Counterfeiting (GAC) Awards ceremony on World Anti-Counterfeiting Day in Paris, which took place June 7.

The awards are presented for outstanding achievement by individuals or organizations involved in combating counterfeiting and piracy, either to protect their own brands or products or in the development of an environment which encourages the combating of counterfeits and pirate products. The awards are given in five categories – individual achievement, national public body, international public body, company and association.

The 2012 GAC Awards were sponsored by Reconnaissance International’s Authentication News and the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group (GACG) Network. The winners were announced and awards presented in Paris today during a World Anti-Counterfeiting Day event hosted by the Union des Fabricants. The awards were made as a continuing recognition of special achievements by individuals, companies and organizations.

Tracy Faustin, BASCAP Project Manager, who accepted the award with Lacoste company member Nathalie Moulle-Berteaux, said “On behalf of ICC and BASCAP member companies, we’re honoured to receive this distinctive award. BASCAP brings together companies from multiple sectors and geographies to join forces in fighting the global epidemic of counterfeiting and piracy. We will continue to keep up the good fight – and to work with all of you – to uphold the honor we have received today.”

New report links ACTA to potential economic growth of €50 billion and 960,000 new jobs in EU

Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP), an initiative of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), today released a new study by the internationally respected economic research firm, Frontier Economics, showing the significant economic growth and job creation potential of EU approval of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).

“The current debate about ACTA in the EU has been focused on a wealth of misinformation and unsubstantiated claims about how the provisions of ACTA will harm the EU,” said Jeffrey Hardy, BASCAP Director. “At a time when Europe is facing an unprecedented economic crisis, with little to no growth and high unemployment, the real discussion should be focused on how ACTA will lead to greater protection of intellectual property around the globe and how this will benefit the EU economy. This new report provides several different scenarios for what would happen to EU exports, economic growth and job creation with the adoption of ACTA by the current signatories, including the EU, and from expansion to four other countries. We believe it is time for the EU decision-makers to look at the data and recognize the enormous potential value to the EU economy that can result from adoption of ACTA.”

The new report concludes that the EU can expect to see increased trade to the ACTA signatories, and that this increase in exports will lead to an increase of up to €19 billion in the EU economy. If ACTA can be expanded beyond the initial group of signatory countries, including the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), the value to the EU country will be significantly greater. The increase in exports to the BRIC countries alone that could be expected with greater intellectual property (IP) protection under ACTA could increase EU growth by a further €23 billion. With stronger enforcement of IP rights in countries where counterfeit products are rife (i.e. China), EU Gross Value Added could increase by a further €8 billion.

Click here to read more on ICC’s website.

Staff Contact: Charlene Flick


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