USPTO, U.S. Chamber, Senator Carl Levin to Educate Michigan Businesses About the Threats of Counterfeiting and Piracy and the Importance of Intellectual Property Protection Washington, D.C. — The Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark (USPTO) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will join with Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) on Monday, June 18, 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. Small businesses, which represent more than 98% of employer firms in the state of Michigan*, are most at risk for counterfeiting and piracy because they often lack the knowledge and expertise to combat these problems. Jon Dudas, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and 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. Dudas 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 Featured speakers include: •  Senator Carl Levin •  Jon Dudas, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO •  Brian Moskowitz, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement •  George Weber, Ford Motor Company •  Katie Wilson, Communications Manager, Global Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Initiative , U.S. Chamber of Commerce WHEN Monday, June 18, 2007 News Conference 10:00-10:30 a.m. Educational Forum 10:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. WHERE Detroit Regional Chamber One Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 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 ###