|
First, let me thank the Amcham for hosting this important event, which has brought key decision makers from Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office together with leaders of U.S. Businesses who are committed to protecting their companies’ intellectual property rights here in Mexico.
I am glad to see that PGR is represented here at such a high-level, which is a clear indication of the high-level attention the Government of Mexico gives to this issue. I would like to congratulate Lic. Perez on his selection to head the PGR’s IPR unit, and I know that we will continue to build upon the already excellent relationship the U.S. Embassy had developed with his predecessor, Lic. Peralta. I also want to commend, and thank, the PGR and its IPR unit for the considerable work they’ve done to improve IPR enforcement over the past year.
Protection of intellectual property rights in Mexico holds particular significance for American companies and my government because of the enormous volume of trade that takes place between our two countries. This trade is increasingly composed of products protected by IPR under international treaty obligations and NAFTA. The free movement of goods and services in North America’s integrated market makes robust protection of IPR crucial – especially as companies’ international competitiveness is challenged by illicit goods originating in Asia, in particular.
We know that stolen, pirated, and counterfeit goods undermine investment opportunities and can significantly impact market share for U.S., Mexican, and other international companies. IPR violations not only hurt international companies whose investments are crucial to Mexico’s competitiveness, but also prevent rightful tax collection, enable organized crime, undermine the rule of law, hurt domestic industries and artists, and endanger public health – as in the case of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
I appreciate the considerable efforts Mexico has made to improve IPR protection. I also recognize that a lot of hard work remains. In fact, this is a difficult challenge for each of our globalized economies, and one which we must confront together if we are to be successful.
I see today’s event as a chance for PGR officials and industry leaders to assess the progress of IPR enforcement in Mexico, identify reasons why problems persist, and share ideas for how to tackle those problems. I know, for example, that U.S. companies are eager to learn what they can do to maximize the effectiveness of their cooperation with PGR when an IPR violation is believed to have taken place.
For our part, the U.S. Government is committed to helping the Government of Mexico confront this crucial challenge. We are facilitating training and information exchange as part of our Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP!) initiative and will have a team of Department of Justice officials coming to Mexico for a few days this summer to share with PGR their experience and discuss ideas for investigating IPR cases.
Later this summer, we are also planning to conduct a joint operational training exercise that will bring together representatives from our Department of Homeland Security and various Mexican federal agencies to explore ways to better identify and seize counterfeit goods at ports and border crossings, as well as recognize the methods of counterfeit goods importation used by criminal syndicates.
Successful IPR protection requires an approach that is well coordinated and prioritized. We all know that the public and private sectors must work together on this issue, and ensure that their shared goals contribute to successful IPR protection. I am very glad to see that PGR officials and Amcham members have come together this morning to do just that. Thank you for including me, and for making effective IPR protection in Mexico a priority.
|
