The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) released the following statement on publication of the 2010 Special 301Report by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The Special 301 Report is an annual assessment of global intellectual property rights enforcement and protection.
“In order to maintain the competitiveness of the U.S. apparel and footwear industry in the world marketplace, the United States must continue to strengthen intellectual property protections around the globe,” said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “But the United States cannot do it alone. We must have international cooperation if enforcement efforts are to be effective.”
“Today's Special 301 Report highlights many of the global challenges confronting the U.S. apparel and footwear industry, an industry that makes everywhere and sells everywhere,” said Burke. “In fact, our industry is experiencing its fastest growth abroad. To foster that growth and create jobs here at home, we must ensure that all of our trade partners value intellectual property the same way we do. AAFA will continue to work with stakeholders to express the needs and concerns of the U.S. apparel and footwear industry while the United States seeks to address global counterfeiting issues.