The White House released its first-ever Joint Strategic Plan on Intellectual Property Enforcement this week. The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing Wednesday to review the report and the progress of the intellectual property coordinator, a newly created post that was filled by Victoria Espinel.

Espinel's post was created as part of the PRO-IP Act, signed into law in 2008. The plan outlines 30 recommendations for improvement of intellectual property enforcement.

"In this strategy, we have attempted to capture the significant issues that require immediate attention," Espinel said at the Senate hearing. "We'll be targeting counterfeiters and pirates, not those engaged in legal and legitimate activities. Increased coordination, cooperation, and prioritization must accompany this first step. And legislative action may be required in order to fulfill our goals."

The plan highlights six broad goals for tackling the problem, including leading by example, increasing transparency in regards to information on intellectual property enforcement, ensuring efficiency and coordination, enforcing our rights internationally, securing our supply chain, and building a data-driven government.

"Combating counterfeiting and piracy is an economic concern, it is a national security concern, and it requires a robust federal response," Espinel said.

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association said it has been attending IP working group meetings in Washington, D.C., to inform key leaders of the IP issues for auto suppliers.

View the White House's new plan here.
 

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