Under the PRO-IP Bill, the new IP Enforcement Coordinator (IP Czar) will be tasked with drafting a joint strategic plan for combating infringement and counterfeiting, including cooperation with foreign government agencies. Once the IP Czar is confirmed, the National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordination Council (NIPLECC) would be abolished and replaced with another interagency advisory committee under the control of the IP Czar.
The IP Czar, a position opposed by some government agencies but supported by industry, will have an uphill battle in becoming effective. We all want to see this position be successful. This panel, moderated by former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) discussed:
- How will the IP Czar be most successful, especially in light of the challenges of coordinating multiple agencies?
- What are the biggest opportunities to reduce counterfeiting and piracy?
- Where in the world should we most focus on a strategic and efficiency basis?
Panelists:
- Gary Bender, Head of Intellectual Asset Management & Strategy, Visa, Inc.
- Mitchell Bompey, Executive Director, Legal and Compliance, Morgan Stanley
- Jon Dudas, former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, IP Litigation Practice
- Stanley Pierre-Louis, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Viacom Inc.
- Thea Winarsky, Associate General Counsel, Coach, Inc.