Canadian Intellectual Property Council applauds the conclusion of ACTA
negotiations

OTTAWA, Oct 6 /CNW/ - The Canadian Intellectual Property Council (CIPC) applauds the Government of Canada for concluding the negotiations on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) which was released today. ACTA's objective to establish global standards to fight counterfeiting and piracy and better protect Intellectual Property rights (IPR) is essential.

The CIPC supports this agreement and believes cooperation between countries is essential to any successful action combating IPR crimes. Among the signatories in combating piracy and counterfeiting are the European Union, the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

"The CIPC has always been a strong supporter of ACTA and is pleased to see the Canadian government moving forward to better protect intellectual property," said Bob Weese, Chair of the CIPC. "While lots of work still needs to be done to improve current IP protection in Canada, this is a good step and we will support the government in the implementation of the Treaty."

IPR crime cost billions of dollars to the G20 countries every year. The risk this crime poses to health and safety of all Canadians is real.

"We are very happy to see that ACTA includes stronger enforcement against piracy and counterfeiting including rules for the downloading and sharing of material on the Internet. These measures will help to combat the growing problem of intellectual property theft," added Weese.

The Canadian Intellectual Property Council (CIPC) is an arm of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce advocating for an improved intellectual property rights system in Canada. As IP-based businesses become increasingly important to Canada's economy, it is essential that measures are implemented to help them fight against IPR crimes.

For further information:

Chris Gray
613.238.4000 ext. 251
[email protected]