Press Release

Gutierrez Applauds Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement applauding the announcement by U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab launching multi-lateral negotiations on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).

“The announcement by Ambassador Schwab is a critical step in our global effort to combat counterfeiting and piracy. This agreement will bring together a leading group of countries dedicated to protecting global innovators and enforcing intellectual property rights.

“Intellectual property is a cornerstone of economic growth and competitiveness. The Bush Administration has made the promotion and protection of IP a top priority and ACTA expands our commitment and links us with a number of our key trading partners.

“I want to congratulate Ambassador Schwab and our partnering nations as they address the growing problem of counterfeit and fake goods. They have recognized the importance of intellectual property to our economies and have made a concerted effort to protect our most precious asset.”