Statement By Secretary Johnson On The Joint Strategic Plan On Intellectual Property Enforcement

Statement

Yesterday, the Administration released the 2016 Joint Strategic Plan on Intellectual Property Enforcement. This plan details the Federal Government's overall vision for intellectual property enforcement for the next three years, and provides agencies with specific ways to achieve that vision.

Intellectual property is one of our country's most valuable assets. When people steal intellectual property or trade in counterfeit goods, they threaten America's innovation-based economy. They also threaten the competitiveness of our businesses, the livelihoods of our U.S. workers, our critical infrastructure, our national security, and the health and safety of our consumers.

The Department of Homeland Security plays a vital role in protecting intellectual property. Identifying and interdicting illicit trade, such as counterfeit and pirated products bound for the U.S. market, is a key DHS mission.

Since the 2013 Joint Strategic Plan, business models have changed, such as the increase in e-commerce trade. But at the same time, DHS has facilitated stronger and more effective intellectual property protection. Building on these accomplishments, and adapting to changing business models, DHS will examine new and better ways to protect entrepreneurs and the American public. As outlined in the 2016 Joint Strategic Plan, DHS will, among other things:

Pursue policies that treat trading in counterfeit and pirated goods as a clear threat to national security interests because it undermines legitimate markets and finances of transnational criminal organizations;

Promote and expand U.S. law enforcement partnerships with e-commerce platforms to keep these legitimate platforms from unwittingly facilitating intellectual property theft; and

Work with domestic and international stakeholders to keep pace with the deceptive tactics used to exploit shipping channels and methods.

DHS is pleased to implement the action items listed in the 2016 Joint Strategic Plan and advance policy initiatives necessary to strengthen IP enforcement.

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