May 19, 2005
#05-23

Press Release, 05-23

U.S. GOVERNMENT TO URGE UTAH BUSINESSES TO PROTECT THEIR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FROM THEFT

Part of federal effort to combat intellectual property theft in China and other high-risk nations

Washington, D.C. –U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property Jon Dudas will join U.S. Rep. Chris Cannon (UT-3) and hundreds of small-businessmen and -women for a conference on the “Global Intellectual Property Marketplace” on Monday, May 23, 2005, in Salt Lake City, Utah . The event, sponsored by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), is part of a major USPTO and U.S. government effort to protect American businesses from falling victim to intellectual property theft—both domestically and abroad. Under Secretary Dudas and Representative Cannon will open the seminar with remarks followed by a media availability.

In today’s global marketplace, American products and branding can be stolen by an individual or a business halfway around the world without the rightful owner even being aware of it. Small businesses are particularly at risk because they may lack the knowledge and expertise to effectively combat such theft. In recognition of this need, USPTO is hosting a series of seminars across the country to help educate American small businesses about the realities of piracy and counterfeiting and steps they can take to protect themselves.

During the two-day seminar, patent, trademark and copyright experts and lawyers from the USPTO will provide attendees with specific details and useful tips about protecting and enforcing their intellectual property rights in the United States and around the world.

WHAT: Remarks about the Global Intellectual Property Marketplace and how small businesses, including those in Utah, are increasingly at risk of intellectual property theft.

Media availability with Under Secretary Dudas and Congressman Cannon

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