(January 9, 2008) The California Chamber of Commerce is urging its members and interested individuals to join a new working group created to follow legislative proposals and policy issues relating to intellectual property rights in California.

The new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Working Group will consist of CalChamber members who are interested in being involved with CalChamber policy development and advocacy efforts in the area of IPR or who want to keep apprised of pending state legislation or policy issues having an impact on IPR.

The problem of counterfeiting and piracy is a crucial issue for the state of California. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has indicated that intellectual property piracy is a leading issue “critical to the future growth of California’s global economy.” Given California’s position in the world economy, the state has a lot to lose when it comes to intellectual property theft. In fact, the California economy loses $34 billion per year to counterfeiting and piracy.

Not only is California among the 10 largest economies in the world, but the state is a global leader in producing intellectual property in many industries--including the film, recording, fashion, pharmaceutical and high-tech industries, among many others. California has long been the top exporting state in the nation, with exports going to Europe, Asia and Africa. The U.S. Department of Commerce reported that California exports amounted to more than $127 billion in 2006.

Anticipated Action

In 2008, the CalChamber will promote adoption of legislation that will strengthen enforcement efforts against counterfeiting. The legislation will provide greater protection to trademark owners by closing loopholes that have made enforcement difficult and bring California law up to par with recently adopted federal standards in the area. California has the opportunity to be among the first of what is hoped to be many states to strengthen anti-counterfeiting standards.

Combining federal, state and local efforts means more effective intellectual property protections for California companies and consumers, a stronger California economy and mutually beneficial relationships with the state’s global trading partners.

Join IPR Working Group

The IPR Working Group will track and provide input on IPR issues as they come up through e-mail exchanges and periodic telephone conferences. One of the group's first projects will be to examine and provide feedback on the CalChamber-sponsored legislation to combat counterfeiting.

To join the CalChamber IPR Working Group, e-mail Kyla Christoffersen.

Staff Contact: Kyla Christoffersen