NAM President supports PRO-IP Act.
Press Release Summary:
NAM President, John Engler, welcomed President Bush's signing of Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008, calling it a shining example of bicameral, bipartisan effort to advance legislation to protect consumers, jobs, and businesses from IP piracy and counterfeiting. According to Engler, strong IP laws and effective enforcement around the world are critical for NAM members and American workers in competitive global economy.
Original Press Release:
NAM President Says Pro-IP Law Will Protect Businesses And Consumers
Engler Calls Measure "Shining Example" of Bipartisanship
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 13, 2008 - The National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler today welcomed President Bush's signing of the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008 (PRO-IP Act).
"The PRO-IP Act is as shining example of a bicameral, bipartisan effort to advance legislation to protect our consumers, jobs and businesses from intellectual property piracy and counterfeiting," Engler said. "By signing into law this important legislation, President Bush has send a resounding message not only to businesses, workers and consumers, but also to those who would harm Americans through piracy of pharmaceuticals, auto parts and health and safety products.
"Intellectual property theft costs American businesses $250 billion in lost revenue each year and we simply cannot afford to let this continue," Engler said. "This legislation will create an IP enforcement 'czar' to create a national strategy and provide federal, state and local enforcement agencies with the powerful tools they need to protect consumers and businesses, and greatly reduce the incidence of future crimes.
"Strong IP laws and effective enforcement around the world are critical for our NAM members and American workers in a competitive global economy," Engler said. "Our ability to export our high value-added products depends on strong international IP protection. U.S. leadership is critical."
The bill was created in a bipartisan spirit, Engler said. "NAM members brought the problem to us and, working with other members of the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy, we formed a plan to address this international problem. We could not have done this without help from officials at the U.S. Justice Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative." Engler also extended thanks to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ranking Committee Member Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), Sen. Even Bahy (D-IN), Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH), Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) for their "strong and unwavering support for this bill."
The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation's largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 11 additional offices across the country. Visit the NAM's award-winning web site at www.nam.org for more information about manufacturing and the economy.
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