[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2478-S2479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, today, April 26, 2018, we celebrate 
World Intellectual Property Day and recognize the important role 
intellectual property plays in the fabric of society. We take time to 
recognize the innovators and creators who are making our lives 
healthier, safer, and more productive through their ingenuity and the 
robust system of intellectual property protections enshrined in our 
laws.
  This year's World Intellectual Property Day campaign in particular 
celebrates the women who are driving change and making our common 
future better though innovation in so many fields including science, 
healthcare, art, engineering, and design, just to name a few.
  Inspiring contributions from countless women are powering innovation 
in our world. For example, Helen Murray Free was inducted into the 
National Inventor's Hall of Fame in 2000 and awarded the national medal 
of technology and innovation in 2010 for her pioneering work in self-
testing systems for diabetes. She received seven patents for her work. 
Iowa's own Mary Florence Potts also used the American patent system to 
protect three of her inventions. Her work improved the safety of common 
household appliances, and her novel iron design was even displayed at 
the 1876 World's Fair in Philadelphia. Elise Harmon holds numerous 
patents for technology, ranging from microprocessor production to high-
altitude carbon brush performance. Our intellectual property system 
must continue to protect and reward the work of women like Helen Murray 
Free, Mary Florence Potts, and Elise Harmon.
  We need to continue creating an environment where innovative, 
creative women are empowered, connected, and celebrated. This involves 
ensuring a robust, inclusive intellectual property system that fosters 
and rewards innovation and the widespread ingenuity that has made 
America a leading force in the global economy.
  The Founding Fathers recognized that robust intellectual property 
infrastructure fosters creative talent and enhances innovative spark. 
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution says ``Congress shall have 
power . . . to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by 
securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right 
to their respective writings and discoveries.'' Placing this authority 
within Congress's enumerated powers underscores the weight that our 
Founding Fathers placed on intellectual property's value to the budding 
Nation. Although the American system of intellectual property rights 
has evolved since the ratification of the Constitution, its core 
mission of promoting innovation has remained constant. As a result, 
America has long been on the forefront of intellectual property and a 
leader in so many IP-intensive fields. Our IP system is one that 
rightly rewards creativity and passion, characteristics common to so 
many Americans.
  Intellectual property is also critical to our national economy 
because it fuels innovation that improves lives and creates jobs. The 
United States is one of the most dynamic and innovative countries in 
the world. Our Nation's success in areas such as agriculture, 
manufacturing, computer technology, and medicine can be traced in large 
measure to our respect for and protection of intellectual property. In 
our modern, innovation economy, patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade 
secrets, and other forms of IP are more critical than ever. IP 
protections and incentives drive enormous economic activity and 
development, helping assure America's place as an economic and 
intellectual beacon to the world. According to the U.S. Commerce 
Department, IP-intensive industries account for more than 45 million 
direct and indirect U.S. jobs--that is nearly a third of the 
workforce--and almost 40 percent of U.S. GDP. In addition, these jobs 
pay well. Average weekly wages in IP-intensive industries are 46 
percent higher than in non-IP intensive fields. As a society, we depend 
on innovators not just to fuel our economy, but to make our lives 
better and to solve the challenges we face. These innovators, in turn, 
depend on different forms of intellectual property.
  The Judiciary Committee plays an important role in protecting 
intellectual property. The committee exercises jurisdiction over our 
Nation's intellectual property laws, including those governing patents, 
trademarks, and copyrights. We consider legislation that helps to 
ensure that intellectual property rights continue to promote jobs and 
innovation. The committee also exercises important oversight of the 
Patent and Trademark Office, the Office of the Intellectual Property 
Enforcement Coordinator, and various law enforcement entities charged 
with protecting IP. Just last week, we held an oversight hearing with 
Director

[[Page S2479]]

Iancu from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. We heard about what is 
going well and about some of the difficulties facing the Office, as 
well as other intellectual property stakeholders. As chairman of the 
Senate Judiciary Committee, I will continue to embrace my role as a 
promoter of intellectual property rights, innovation, and ultimately 
American jobs.
  This World Intellectual Property Day, it is important to once again 
recognize the significance of our Nation's robust system of 
intellectual property protection and enforcement. As we recognize the 
positive impacts IP has on innovation, let's continue to find ways to 
work together to ensure its protection against infringement. We want 
the United States to maintain its position as the most innovative and 
creative country in the world.

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