Statement from MPAA Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd on the 2017 USTR Special 301 Report

Washington – Today, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its annual Special 301 Report, reviewing the global state of intellectual property rights protection and enforcement. The following is a statement from Senator Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, on the report.

“The American film and television industry is a key driver of the U.S. economy and one of the most highly competitive global industries, generating $17.8 billion in exports and registering a positive balance of trade with nearly every country around the world.

“But as today’s release of Special 301 highlights, creators still face serious challenges protecting and enforcing their intellectual property rights in foreign markets.

“By identifying and raising awareness around these challenges, the Special 301 Report reflects the Administration’s commitment to intellectual property and our nation’s global competitiveness. We commend USTR and the interagency for issuing this report and look forward to continuing to work with them to protect the rights of creators and promote economic growth.”

The full report is available, here.

About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

# # #

For more information, contact:

MPAA Washington, D.C.

Chris Ortman
(202) 293-1966
Chris_Ortman@motionpictures.org