The American Footwear Association Issued A Statement On The National Intellectual Property Strategy.

Burke, President and chief executive officer of the AAFA, made the following statement on the national intellectual property strategy published by IPEC.

The Obama administration announced that it would strengthen intellectual property protection through joint efforts by many departments.

Jane Napolitano, Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and vice president Biden jointly announced the joint strategic plan of the Obama government's intellectual property (IPR) law enforcement, aiming at strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights by strengthening joint efforts to crack down on Civil and criminal infringements of trademark and copyright infringement through the joint efforts of multiple agencies. (JanetNapolitano)

The United States has long been in need of a positive, cooperative and pragmatic approach to crack down on sustained damage to the American clothing and footwear brands and to influence the counterfeit products of the US brand in the global market competition.

As the report is to be submitted to Congress, it is important to bear in mind that the competitive advantage of the United States depends on strong enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Thanks to the strong intellectual property protection of American clothing and footwear brands, our industry can create and maintain job opportunities while maintaining the forefront of innovation.

Over the past four years, the clothing and footwear industry in the United States has been the biggest victim of intellectual property theft. More than half of the products seized by the US Customs and border protection are footwear, fashion accessories and clothing.

If law enforcement is not improved, shops or intellectual property theft through e-commerce will continue to pose a major threat to us consumers, not only damaging the reputation of the US brand, but also robbing the US government's taxes.

I am glad that this report gives a comprehensive approach to unite all intellectual property stakeholders.

For intellectual property protection, this plan can only bring about meaningful progress. When we work together for a common goal, our partners will respect intellectual property as much as we do.

When the United States accepts these recommendations, AAFA will cooperate with the IPEC, the Congress and the industry.