“As inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs, each of you deserves to have your products and ideas protected from theft. Enforcing intellectual property laws is an essential element of economic reform and long-term economic growth. We are elevating our cooperation between the federal government, the private sector and many of our trading partners in an aggressive, unified effort against piracy and IPR theft”

Donald L. Evans
U.S. Secretary of Commerce

STRATEGY TARGETING ORGANIZED PIRACY – STOP!

Growing global trade in pirated and counterfeit good threatens American’s innovation economy, the competitiveness of our leading companies and small manufacturers, and the livelihoods of their workers. Bogus products - from CDs, DVDs, software and watches to electronic equipment, clothing, processed foods, consumer products, and auto parts – are estimated to account for up to seven percent of global trade and cost legitimate rights holders around the world billions of dollars annually.

The Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP) is the most comprehensive initiative ever advanced to smash the criminal networks that traffic in fakes stop trade in pirated and counterfeit goods at America’s borders, block bogus goods around the world, and help small businesses secure and enforce their rights in overseas markets. STOP! Underscores the U.S. Government’s continuing commitment to level the playing field for American businesses and workers. A key element is helping American businesses safeguard their intellectual property around the world; this guide is part of that effort.

The U.S. government is dedicated to protecting America’s innovation at home and abroad. 1-866-999-HALT is a hotline that provides a one-stop-shop for businesses to protect their intellectual property at home and abroad. It provides businesses with the information they need to leverage the resources of the U.S. Government to protect their intellectual property rights.

For more information, visit http://www.stopfakes.gov. NOW!