USTR Releases Annual Report on Global IP Rights And Market Access
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / May 2, 2011
WASHINGTON—The National Music Publishers’ Association today applauded a report by the U.S. Trade Representative on intellectual property rights and enforcement worldwide, calling the effort “a vital undertaking that promotes American jobs and creativity.”
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative today released its annual “Special 301” report, identifying countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. intellectual property-based industries.
“As with any other business competing in the global economy, the American music industry depends on a fair, lawful and level playing field,” said NMPA President and CEO David Israelite. “The annual effort to call out countries that are not adequately meeting their obligations as members of the global marketplace is a vital undertaking that promotes American jobs and creativity. In particular, we are encouraged to see a new emphasis on digital theft, recognizing the increasing problem of web operators outside U.S. borders who profit from American music and a host of other products. Basic respect for and enforcement of intellectual property rights across borders must continue to be a priority if our country’s intellectual property sectors are to thrive.”
As a member of the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA), the NMPA joined six other trade association members in filing recommendations with the USTR earlier this year. For more information and to read the IIPA Special 301 Report, please visit www.IIPA.com.
About the NMPA
Founded in 1917, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is the trade association representing American music publishers and their songwriting partners. The NMPA’s mandate is to protect and advance the interests of music publishers and songwriters in matters relating to the domestic and global protection of music copyrights.