ITC to Investigate China IPR Infringement, Innovation Policies Effects on U.S. Economy

May 7, 2010 by Barbara Chaves|Other Agency Postings

The International Trade Commission has launched the first of two investigations requested by the Senate Finance Committee into the effect on the U.S. economy of intellectual property rights infringement and indigenous innovation policies in China.

The ITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the two investigations at 9:30 a.m. on June 15, 2010. (Requests to appear at the hearing are due June 1, 2010.)

Comments on the first investigation are due July 9, 2010.

First Report to Describe and Outline Types of IPR Infringement, Policies

The first report, “China: Intellectual Property Infringement, Indigenous Innovation Policies, and Frameworks for Measuring the Effects on the U.S. Economy,” will:

describe the principal types of reported IPR infringement in China;
describe China's indigenous innovation policies (under which China reportedly promotes the technologies and brands of Chinese companies over those of non-Chinese companies); and
outline analytical frameworks for determining the quantitative effects of the infringement and indigenous innovation policies on the U.S. economy as a whole and on sectors of the U.S. economy, including lost jobs.

The ITC is expected to deliver the first report to the Senate Finance Committee by November 19, 2010.

Second Report to Focus on Scope and Effects of IPR Infringement

The second report will build on the first report by:

describing the size and scope of reported IPR infringement in China;
providing a quantitative analysis of the effect of reported IPR infringement in China on the U.S. economy and U.S. jobs (including on a sectoral basis), as well as potential effects on sales, profits, royalties, and license fees of U.S. firms globally, to the extent possible; and
discussing actual, potential, and reported effects of China's indigenous innovation policies on the U.S. economy and U.S. jobs, quantifying these effects, to the extent feasible.

The ITC is expected to deliver the second report to the Committee by May 2, 2011.

ITC contact -- Peg O’Laughlin (202) 205-1819

ITC press release (dated 05/05/10) available at http://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2010/er0505hh1.htm

Senate Finance Committee press release (dated 04/19/10) on request for ITC investigation, including text of letter, available at http://finance.senate.gov/newsroom/chairman/release/?id=d48e7053-ddc1-476b-9599-14dd68710836