[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S8278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BAUCUS (for himself and Mr. Hatch):
  S. 3464. A bill to amend the Trade Act of 1974 to improve the 
international protection and enforcement of intellectual property 
rights, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.
  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to express my support for 
International Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement Act of 
2008 S. 3464, introduced by my friend from Montana, Senate Finance 
Committee Chairman Max Baucus and myself. This piece of legislation 
represents months of hard work and collaboration, and I am pleased that 
we have finally arrived at a consensus on this very important global 
issue.
  The protection of intellectual property has always been one of my top 
legislative priorities in the Senate. Now more than ever, America's 
ingenuity continues to fuel our economy, and it is imperative that we 
protect new ideas and investments in innovation and creativity. Make no 
mistake about it: piracy and counterfeiting are the new face of 
economic crime around the world, far exceeding traditional property 
crimes.
  It is estimated that U.S. intellectual property alone is worth $5 to 
$5.5 trillion, that is equivalent to about 45 percent of our GDP. In 
other words, this is greater than the entire GDP of any other nation in 
the world. Additionally, millions and millions of jobs are created 
every year by U.S. IP industries. And, I might add, these jobs earn an 
average of 40 percent more than the average pay of other U.S. jobs. 
Without doubt, America's Intellectual property drives our economy and 
is the envy of the world and we must do everything to protect our prime 
status as a world leader on this front.
  Counterfeiting and piracy aren't just about downloaded music, pirated 
software, or fake designer hand bags. It's about the health and safety 
of the American people. Indeed, counterfeiting and piracy affect all 
sectors of our economy, including pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and the 
quality and safety of our food.
  S. 3464 will serve as an important bridge in the battle to protect 
U.S. intellectual property rights overseas. With the rising tide of 
piracy and counterfeiting abroad, it is vital that we provide those 
working on the front lines with the tools they need to ensure that our 
nation's IP rights are lawfully respected by foreign countries.
  To that end, S. 3464 will require the U.S. Trade Representative, 
USTR, to press countries that violate U.S. intellectual property rights 
to take specific steps to stop violations by developing an action plan 
for each foreign country that has remained on USTR's ``Priority Watch 
List'' of intellectual property deficient countries for at least one 
year. The action plan must list the legislative, enforcement, or other 
actions that the foreign country must take in order to achieve adequate 
and effective protection of intellectual property rights.
  The legislation also provides funds to increase USTR's ability to 
partner with developing countries to improve IP protection and 
enforcement, including capacity building, activities designed to 
increase awareness of intellectual property rights, and training for 
officials responsible for enforcing the laws. Additionally, the bill 
give the President enforcement tools to deal with countries that refuse 
to fight widespread theft of our Nation's IP.
  I am committed to moving this legislation forward and hope that we 
will do so in an expeditious manner.
                                 ______