The theft of intellectual property through copyright piracy and counterfeiting is costing U.S. companies $200 billion to $250 billion a year.
Much of the stealing of computer programs, movies and music is being done in Russia and China. Since it appears the governments in those countries aren’t cracking down on thieves as aggressively as they should, it’s up to the U.S to protect its own interests — even if it has to go outside American borders to do so.
To slow IP theft in those nations, Washington should establish some adult supervision in Beijing and Moscow. At least that’s one solution Rep. Frank Wolf has in mind. The Virginia Republican has included a provision in the Commerce Department spending bill that requires Washington to open U.S. Intellectual Property Offices in those cities.
Another way to contain the pirates and counterfeiters — and to increase the pressure on governments that are looking the other way at the widespread theft of U.S. IP in their countries — would be for the Office of the United States Trade Representative to take an intellectual property rights enforcement case to the World Trade Organization.
So far, that office has yet to do so. Nor has the Office of the United States Trade Representative filled the position of chief negotiator for intellectual property enforcement. That post was created in last year’s budget and should have been filled.
Congress and the White House should not be overly sensitive about hurting the feelings of countries that refuse to clamp down on IP piracy. Taking action to stop the pilfering is completely justified.
The first job of government is to protect its people and their property. Intellectual property is property and the U.S. government should be striving to protect it, even if it means ruffling a few feathers.
The pain Congress and the administration should be concerned with is that being inflicted on U.S. companies and the economy — both now and in the future — if the piracy isn’t stopped.