America.gov-Economics & Trade: Intellectual Property

Media, Internet Firms Try Friendlier Approach to Internet Users

Andrzej Zwaniecki — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:56:12 -0400

Media and Internet firms realize they cannot deter users from creating their own works based on copyrighted film, video and music materials. Now, content providers offer viewers a better deal but deploy technology to guard their most important intellectual property rights.

Harnessing Creativity Vital to Economic Growth

Phillip Kurata — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:49:16 -0400

The Creative and Innovative Economy Center helps developing countries harness the creative talents of their people. When countries enable their scientists, scholars and artists to profit from their creations, economies grow and cultures flourish, in the view of Michael Ryan, the center director.

Lawsuits Hit Online Marketplaces That Offer Fake Luxury Brands

Judi Hasson — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:15:41 -0400

Recent lawsuits with opposite outcomes are causing online auction sites to examine their practices for fake luxury-brand goods. Web-based marketplaces are likely to step up their policing of sellers, experts say, forcing consumers to pay in the end for the problems counterfeiters cause.

Ethiopia Promotes Intellectual Property Throughout Society

Phillip Kurata — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:44:36 -0400

Ethiopia is embarking on a national economic development path based on intellectual property protection. It has mobilized its media, schools, judicial and law enforcement agencies, as well as commercial, cultural, artistic and scientific groups toward this end.

Ethiopian Coffee Brands Go Global, Wake Up Local Economy

Phillip Kurata — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:21:50 -0400

In 2004, Ethiopia set out to secure global recognition of three specialty coffees -- Yirgacheffe, Sidamo and Harar. Today, those coffee trademarks are protected in 29 countries and the branding is improving the lives of the 15 million Ethiopians who depend on the coffee sector, which accounts for 60 percent of the country's wealth.

Dogs “Humanize” the Problem of Counterfeit Movies and CDs

Judi Hasson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:43:18 -0400

Two Labradors show off their skill at sniffing out pirated DVDs. Lucky and Flo visit Congress with Hollywood trade group head Dan Glickman to send a message about intellectual property rights. After uncovering millions of dollars’ worth of counterfeit discs and surviving death threats, the dogs are becoming heroes to American children.

Continuing Intellectual Property Piracy in Russia Raises Concern

Jonathan Schaffer — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:56:04 -0400

Russia is named a “priority” country in a report on the inadequacy of intellectual property rights protection. Trade law allows the United States to retaliate against countries discriminating against its products and services. U.S. officials plan to monitor Russia on the issue as Russia seeks admission to the World Trade Organization.

Countries Mount Global Campaign to Combat Product Counterfeiting

Judi Hasson — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:03:09 -0400

Countries around the world celebrate Intellectual Property Day April 26 to highlight economic loss caused by piracy and counterfeiting of patented and copyrighted goods. The theft of intellectual property used to involve mainly luxury goods, but it now encompasses much more, such as counterfeit medicines, food products and toothpaste.

Trademarks -- Not Counterfeits -- Create Jobs, Experts Say

Judy Aita — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:28:21 -0400

Innovation and profits improve in developing economies when trademarks are used and enforced, according to experts. They gathered recently at the United Nations to mark the upcoming World Intellectual Property Day and to cite examples where laws are helping local businesses to thrive and where there is more work to be done.

Juan Valdez Travels the World, Sends Profits Home to Colombia

Phillip Kurata — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:42:28 -0400

For more than 40 years, Colombian coffee has sold on average at 20 cents a kilo higher than coffee from other countries. "Every single kilo, for 40 years. That's a lot of money," says lawyer Michael Ryan. Colombia's success in the global coffee trade has lessons for other developing countries seeking greater returns on commodity exports.

United States Seeks to Advance Economic Partnership with Russia

Jonathan Schaffer — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:09:32 -0400

U.S. officials are optimistic that an improved U.S.-Russian economic relationship is in the offing. “We acknowledge the great potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment and the significant benefits this would bring to both our economies,” says a document issued after talks between President Bush and Russian President Putin.

Business Experts Call for Intellectual Property Protection

Phillip Kurata — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:47:40 -0400

Future economic growth in China and India, where intellectual property theft is rampant, and better medical treatment for HIV/AIDS sufferers in Thailand, where the former military government "expropriated" drug patents, will depend largely on how well those countries safeguard intellectual property rights, says the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.