News from US Patent Office

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to Discuss Intellectual Property and the Economy to Commemorate World Intellectual Property Day
WASHINGTON – U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke will highlight the importance of intellectual property protection and enforcement to the U.S. economy tomorrow at an event celebrating the 11th anniversary of World Intellectual Property Day. Strong intellectual property (IP) rights protect the innovative ideas of the American people and help translate those ideas to new businesses, new jobs and new economic opportunities.

Around the world, enforcement of intellectual property rights helps prevent counterfeiting and piracy, which cost the United States billions of dollars and thousands of jobs each year. The Commerce Department actively engages foreign leaders and promotes stronger enforcement disciplines worldwide in its efforts to reduce losses associated with IP infringement.

Locke will be joined by U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office David Kappos, and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith for tomorrow’s program, jointly sponsored by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Established by WIPO Member States in 2000, World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated annually on April 26th to increase the understanding and respect of IP and underscore its importance in promoting creativity and innovation. Patent reform currently being considered by Congress aims to improve upon the U.S. IP system to accelerate innovation, economic growth and U.S. competitiveness.