Erik Paulsen: “This is an area, I think, in which the United States really stands out and shines. If anything, we are known for our…”

“This is an area, I think, in which the United States really stands out and shines. If anything, we are known for our innovation. It is really part of our DNA in terms of having a patent system that protects intellectual property, the rule of law. There are many other countries around the world that don't have those same standards, and that is where the benefit of trade agreements can help bring in high-standard agreements. It is so that other countries can be forced to follow these agreements. Intellectual property protects the ideas. That protects the innovation. That protects the invention and the dreamers who are coming up with all of these ideas, and that is critical. There are some countries that are lagging behind. We have had frustrations, I know recently, with China by which they have targeted U.S. information technology. They have targeted renewable energy, and they have targeted biopharmaceuticals and other products for the express purpose of creating local production opportunities for Indian companies, for instance, and that is a violation of intellectual property in many respects. Having these trade negotiations is going to ensure that we can keep that conversation moving forward and having those high standards. It is going to protect our jobs here at home for the dreamers, the thinkers, and the folks who create and innovate these new ideas and these new products.…”