Press Release

Commerce Secretary Gutierrez and Japan’s Minister of Economy: Trade and Industry Enhance Cooperation on IPR

TOKYO—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and Japan Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshihiro Nikai today announced their intent to enhance bilateral cooperation on IPR protection and enforcement. Strengthening and expanding cooperation on IPR issues will help both countries contribute more effectively to global efforts to combat the growing problem of IPR piracy and counterfeiting in international trade.

"Past cooperation between the two countries on IPR issues has done much to protect the welfare of companies and consumers in the United States, Japan, and other countries," said Gutierrez. "As our shared interests in defending IPR at home and abroad continue to grow, our leadership roles in this area will help protect intellectual property and American jobs."

The enhanced bilateral cooperation will involve exchanging information, sharing resources, and working together to build stronger government-government and government-industry relationships to address IPR concerns, especially in third countries. Cooperative efforts are being planned in areas such as working together toward streamlining of patent procedures and harmonization of patent laws, protecting IPR at trade fairs, supporting the IPR protection efforts of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthening technical assistance.

IPR infringements cost U.S. businesses approximately $250 billion annually and result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Counterfeiting and pirated goods have a similar impact on the livelihoods of Japanese companies and their labor forces.

Secretary Gutierrez and Minister Nikai also confirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation in other areas, including export controls, clean development and climate, standards and conformity assessment, and information technology security.

"IPR violations are unacceptable. They contribute to organized crime, and put the health and safety of our citizens at risk," added Gutierrez. "Working together, the United States and Japan will do more to put a stop to IPR theft and enhance enforcement efforts."

Full Text of Joint Initiative for Enhanced Cooperation on IPR and Other Issues