September 13, 2004
#04-22

Press Release, 04-22

USPTO China Expert Assigned to American Embassy in Beijing

PRESS RELEASE

Focus on advancing the U.S. intellectual property agenda in China

The Department of Commerce’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced today that Mark A. Cohen, an attorney-advisor in the agency’s office of enforcement, has been appointed intellectual property attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China. In this post, Cohen will work with government officials to improve Chinese intellectual property laws, regulations and enforcement procedures. Cohen is scheduled to begin his two-year assignment this week.

In selecting Cohen for the assignment, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property Jon Dudas noted, “The USPTO is proud to assist the Administration’s efforts to enhance intellectual property protection in China by sending Mr. Cohen to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Mark’s expertise in intellectual property rights, combined with his knowledge of Chinese language, culture, and law are assets in furthering the Administration’s goal of improving the intellectual property environment for U.S. companies doing business in China. We believe this assignment will advance the Administration’s work in the region, particularly in addressing the widespread counterfeiting and piracy that cost U.S. businesses billions of dollars in lost revenue and tens of thousands of U.S. jobs.”

This is the first time that the USPTO has placed an official overseas for the purpose of improving intellectual property protection in a specific country. The assignment fulfills a recommendation in the Department of Commerce report, “Manufacturing in America,” to place a USPTO official in China to provide in-country support to curb intellectual property crime and strengthen enforcement. Cohen will continue to support the China initiatives of the USPTO including helping U.S. businesses better understand the challenges of protecting intellectual property in China and to enforce their rights. He also will work with his Chinese colleagues to provide enforcement training and technical assistance to foster respect for intellectual property, encourage governmental and corporate efforts to combat and deter infringement, and promote honest business practices in the use and development of intellectual property.

Mr. Cohen holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Chinese Studies, is fluent in Chinese, and is a recognized expert in intellectual property and commercial law in China. He has written several articles and books in the field. He also has over 20 years of experience in counseling on intellectual property issues in China. Cohen has participated, while in private practice and as a U.S. government official, in numerous intellectual property programs in China, including training and outreach seminars designed to curb piracy and counterfeiting and to help U.S. businesses develop cost-effective strategies for obtaining and protecting intellectual property rights in China.

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