International Trade Administration September 30, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Manufacturing Council will hold a meeting to discuss and identify the priority issues affecting the U.S. manufacturing industry, which may include increasing exports, supply chain and access to credit, among others. The Council was re-chartered on April 8, 2010, to advise the Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing industry.

The Department of Commerce invites public input and participation in shaping government programs for protecting the intellectual property rights of U.S. businesses, including Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), in foreign markets. As evidenced by the launch of the President's National Export Initiative, improving U.S. Government support for U.S. business in overseas markets is an Administration priority. Unfortunately, American exporters face various barriers to entry in overseas markets including barriers related to intellectual property rights. In coordination with the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (``IPEC'') and to implement certain action items in the 2010 Joint Strategic Plan on Intellectual Property Enforcement submitted to Congress by the IPEC, the Department of Commerce is conducting a comprehensive review of existing U.S. Government efforts to educate, guide, and provide resources to U.S. businesses that are: 1. Acquiring intellectual property rights in foreign markets; 2. Contemplating exporting intellectual property-based products or choosing markets for export; 3. Actively entering foreign markets or facing difficulties entering foreign markets; or 4. Encountering difficulties enforcing their intellectual property rights in foreign markets. The goal of the review is to improve efforts to support U.S. businesses facing barriers related to intellectual property rights protection and enforcement in overseas markets.