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.
