The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) released a statement on publication of the 2009 Special 301 Report by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The Special 301 Report is an annual assessment of global intellectual property rights enforcement and protection.
“Protecting intellectual property rights is paramount to the success of the U.S. apparel and footwear industry,” said AAFA president and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Because most infringement happens overseas, we need to work with all of our trading partners to foster a dialogue that encourages better intellectual property protections.”
“In order to maintain our competitiveness in the global market, the United States must maintain a strict enforcement policy that protects and benefits U.S. apparel and footwear companies as well as their brand's integrity,” Burke said. “This level of strict enforcement can be done without closing off markets or hindering creativity even in this sensitive economic climate.”
American Apparel & Footwear Association
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