TPA Celebrates World IP Day

Taxpayers Protection Alliance

April 26, 2023

For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Abigail Graham: (202) 417-7235

April 26, 2023                                                                          

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, April 26th, innovators around the globe celebrate World IP Day and the importance of strong protections for creators. The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) will continue to defend and stand up for intellectual property (IP) rights which helps stimulate the economy, create lifesaving cures, and inspire generations to come.

In response, David Williams, TPA President, offered the following comment:

“​Intellectual property is a driving force behind growth, innovation, and opportunities for millions of workers and consumers. Without thorough patent protections, there likely wouldn’t be a COVID-19 vaccine nor testing, and the world would still be muddling through a deadly pandemic.

“And, with each year comes new innovations from healthcare and education to the arts that makes everyone’s lives easier and more meaningful. These rights are unfortunately under attack every day, and IP protections are unfairly blamed for high costs and access issues in the economy. The reality is that anti-IP policies such as patent invalidation and mandated data-sharing discourage competition in the market and increase expenses for struggling households. Copyrights, patents, and trademarks deserve protection in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, judiciary, and halls of Congress.

“In particular, improving healthcare is under the biggest threat of weakening IP. There are unfortunately several attacks underway on these fundamental rights. From a potential TRIPS Waiver expansion to calls for an abuse of the Bayh-Dole Act’s march-in provisions, too many voices in Washington are seeking to tear down IP rights. Lawmakers must realize that they are playing with fire and could leave patients with limited options in their future healthcare decisions.

“We are proud to stand with many free market and taxpayer groups around the world celebrating World IP Day.” 

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.