Resource Center
Intellectual Property
USTR's Office of Intellectual Property and Innovation (IPN) uses a wide range of bilateral and multilateral trade tools to promote strong intellectual property laws and effective enforcement worldwide, reflecting the importance of intellectual property and innovation to the future growth of the U.S. economy.
The IPN team deals with sensitive policy issues that arise at the intersection of international IP and public health policy, as well as challenges related to IP and new technologies (e.g., internet, standards). New international IP policy challenges are emerging in such areas as food security and energy technologies.
Key areas of work include the negotiation, implementation, and monitoring of intellectual property provisions of trade agreements; bilateral and regional engagement through such vehicles as the annual "Special 301" review and numerous IP dialogues with trading partners; and multilateral engagement on IP issues through the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Health Organization, and other organizations.
In addition, the IPN team implements trade policy in support of U.S. innovations, including those in the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries. The IPN team works closely with other agencies, drawing upon their expertise and also providing interagency trade policy leadership.
7/20/2009
5th Round of ACTA Negotiations
7/17/2009
Statement from USTR Spokeswoman Carol Guthrie on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA)
6/24/2009
Secretary Gary Locke and USTR Ron Kirk Call on China To Revoke Mandatory Internet Filtering Software
4/30/2009
USTR Releases 2009 Special 301 Report
4/29/2009
Ambassador Kirk makes statement on China's action to modify Information Security Testing rules
4/9/2009
Remarks by Ambassador Ron Kirk at Howard University
10/23/2007
Remarks by U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab on Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA)
4/9/2007
11/28/2006
11/12/2007
USTR’s Mission to Protect U.S. Intellectual Property Rights
4/9/2007
4/9/2007
9/14/2004
U.S.-Bahrain FTA: Fact Sheet on Access to Medicines