USPTO, U.S. Chamber Team with U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy to Educate Vermont Businesses about the Risks of Counterfeiting and Piracy and the Importance of Intellectual Property Protection Washington, D.C. —The Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will team with U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy on Friday, August 17, to present a free educational forum and news conference that will highlight the growing threats of counterfeiting and piracy, while also providing information on how businesses can protect and enforce their own intellectual property rights in the U.S. and overseas. Margaret J.A. Peterlin, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO, will discuss the risks and impacts of counterfeiting and piracy and how businesses can mitigate those risks by making intellectual property protection part of their business plan. Peterlin will also highlight U.S. government resources that are available to help businesses protect their intellectual property rights. WHAT Free educational forum to educate businesses about the threats of counterfeiting and piracy and how to protect their intellectual property. WHO Other featured speakers to include: U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy Brad Huther, Senior Advisor of the U.S. Chamber’s Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Initiative U.S. Attorney Thomas D. Anderson Representatives from Vermont businesses such as IBM, Burton Snowboards, Hubbardton Forge, SB Electronics and more WHEN Friday, August 17, 2007 Educational Forum 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m. News Conference 12:45-1:15 p.m. WHERE Billings Ira Allen Lecture Hall – University of Vermont 101 Billings – University Place Burlington, VT 05405 There is no charge to attend this event. Lunch will be provided. Media who would like more information or wish to RSVP for the event should email Jennifer.Rankin_Byrne@uspto.gov or call 571-272-8400. Information on the USPTO’s efforts to educate small businesses about intellectual property theft can be found at www.stopfakes.gov/smallbusiness ### *SBA Small Business Profile