IP Enforcement Committees (E.O. 13565)

Summary

Establishes two government groups to create a plan for protecting patents, copyrights, and trademarks from being copied or stolen.

What problem does this solve?

The government's efforts to protect inventions and creative works were not well-coordinated. This order creates two committees to bring different agencies together to create and follow a single plan for enforcing these laws.

What does this order do?

Creates a Senior Advisory Committee

Establishes the Senior Intellectual Property Enforcement Advisory Committee, led by the IP Enforcement Coordinator, with members from high levels of various departments.

Creates an Enforcement Advisory Committee

Establishes the Intellectual Property Enforcement Advisory Committee to develop a strategic plan for protecting intellectual property.

Defines committee missions

Assigns the Senior Committee to advise on the strategic plan and the Enforcement Committee to develop the plan every three years.

Requires information sharing

Directs federal agencies to share information on their enforcement plans and activities with the committees to help create the strategic plan.

Who does this affect?

Federal government agencies
Businesses and individuals who own intellectual property
Foreign governments and companies

What is the real world impact?

•

Strengthens economic competitiveness

Protects American innovation and creativity from being stolen. This helps U.S. companies grow, create jobs, and increase exports.

•

Improves government coordination

Brings together various federal departments, like Justice, Commerce, and Homeland Security, to work from a single playbook on intellectual property enforcement.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately as of February 8, 2011, and sets a deadline for the first committee meeting.

First Senior Advisory Committee meeting

Requires the first meeting of the Senior Advisory Committee to be held within 90 days of February 8, 2011.