Group Asks US Congress to Punish Brazil and Thai Drug Piracy

Drug patent An American group called USA For Innovation released an open letter to Members of the United States Congress reminding them of the importance of intellectual property to the American economy and to encourage them to confront threats from Brazil and Thailand, which they accuse of intellectual piracy.

In the letter, the association's executive director, ambassador Ken Adelman, cites the enormous value of intellectual property to the U.S. economy at between US$ 5 trillion and US$ 5.5 trillion, equal to approximately 45% of the U.S. GDP, and greater than the GDP of any other nation in the world.

The document also talks about its concern with Brazil's pursuit of its own compulsory license last week following in the steps of Thailand.  The implication of such actions, Adelman says, is that it  "hurts local firms in Brazil and Thailand trying to attract foreign investment. It hurts their patients, who will no longer have access to patented medicines which, in many cases, are the only treatments proven safe and effective…"

Noting that Thailand is presently a recipient of "military, humanitarian and other forms of assistance from the U.S. government, in addition to private donations from millions of American charities…" Adelman concludes that "it seems appropriate to remind leaders of these countries that the United States will protect innovation-producing American firms and jobs. Doing so now, in a vigorous manner, will save lives in these countries and throughout the world…"

USA For Innovation presents itself as a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of intellectual property and continued innovation around the globe.

Tags:

You May Also Like

Money Changer Says Brazil’s Ruling PT Had International Money Laundering Scheme

Brazilian money changer, Antônio Oliveira Claramunt, aka Toninho da Barcelona (Little Tony from Barcelona, ...

Brazilian Press: Lolita to the Rescue

Advertisers don’t want circulation but money to ensure their survival. The middle or upper-middle ...

In Iracema, Brazil, You Don’t Live, You Get By

Religion and politics to many are inseparable. I heard this often in Iracema, which ...

Chicken Exports Keep Growing in Brazil Led by Japan

Brazilian chicken exports increased in both volume and revenues in January, compared with January, ...

Rousseff: Brazil Finally Gets a President With No Self-mythicizing Agenda

The first four months of any new president will give some indication of the ...

Best-seller books, plays & movies

PLAYS   Alô? Madame!… — It all starts when two friends get a phone ...

It’s a Game, It’s a Fight, It’s a Dance

By Brazzil Magazine A sweet memory, the birth of inspiration, the flame of desire, ...

Panamí¡ Gets Brazil’s Top of the Line Jet

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer delivered today the first of 12 Embraer 190 Advanced Range ...

Lula Asks Bolivia: If Not Brazil Who’s Going to Buy Your Gas?

In yet another chapter of the natural gas struggle, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula ...

Five Challenges to Visit Brazil Through the Eyes of Foreigners Living There

A survey conducted by InterNations, the largest network and information site for people working ...