William F. Smith: “I support the strong intellectual property protections contained in both the Chile and the Singapore trade agreements.…”

“I support the strong intellectual property protections contained in both the Chile and the Singapore trade agreements. These agreements will boost U.S. trade in open markets in both countries. They also set a standard for the protections that should be included in future trade agreements. In today's global economy, it is becoming increasingly easier for criminals to steal intellectual property. Whether this theft takes the form of pirated music, stolen software, or counterfeited trademarks, it has a severe impact on our industries and on our economy. Intellectual property is one of our Nation's major assets. The United States is a consistent leader in manufacturing high-tech and the creative industries. Strong intellectual property protections both in our law and in our trade agreements are important to ensure our economy continues to flourish. The intellectual property found in our country is a result of the American creativity. When properly commercialized, these works lead to jobs, profits, and a better quality of life for all Americans. These agreements will enlist international cooperation that respects and protects our intellectual property. The strong protections in these agreements set a good precedent for future free trade agreements, such as those with Australia and Central America. I urge my colleagues to support both the Chile and Singapore free trade agreements.”