Keep N.C. innovating

WASHINGTON -- Once regarded as a solely agriculture-driven economy, North Carolina has developed a reputation as an incubator of innovation. Its unique blend of agricultural, textile, biotechnology and software sectors have made the state a hub for technological advancement. This progress has brought good-paying jobs, prosperity and some of the best and brightest minds to the Tar Heel State.

Patients come from all over the world to receive medical care with the latest technology and most capable health professionals. Biotech companies are creating breakthrough solutions to global health challenges. University-based research in the Research Triangle is supporting American industry.

For example, at N.C. State's College of Textiles, 11 professors hold a total of 47 patents and are conducting important research to support the largest manufacturing industry in North Carolina and the second-largest in the nation.

In today's economy, however, it takes more than talent and research to succeed. Given its important role in the innovation economy, North Carolinians have a lot at stake in seeing American inventions, ideas and brands -- or intellectual property (IP) -- protected at home and abroad.

Innovators, companies and workers depend on the vigorous enforcement of strong laws protecting their intellectual property. In an era of increased global competition, we simply cannot compete if we are not encouraging our workers to continue investing and creating new and innovative products. In return, we must safeguard those inventions.

Unfortunately, the state's innovation-based economy is threatened in many ways. Because footwear and apparel are the most commonly counterfeited goods, North Carolinians have felt the sting of the theft of brands and inventions. Counterfeit products such as extension cords and medicines are also infiltrating our homes and pharmacies, exposing consumers to dangerous and defective goods.

Because the peddlers of these illicit goods operate outside the law, they are indifferent to consumer protection laws and also avoid paying taxes, depriving state and local governments of money for roads, school, hospitals and additional investment in the research industry. Government-sanctioned intellectual property theft of drugs and other medical treatments -- through methods like compulsory licensing -- are also diminishing North Carolinians' livelihoods, opportunities and advantages in the biotech and health fields.

While the response to this threat falls mostly on the federal government, individual states also need to assert themselves in ways that protect jobs and consumer health and safety, and recover lost revenues due to IP theft. This is a major problem that requires a serious response and political leadership from our elected officials.

In North Carolina, innovative efforts like those of Secretary of State Elaine Marshall are helping turn the tide against illicit product operations. Her office has formed a task force that aggressively seeks out counterfeiters and other IP thieves, while state leaders have taken steps to strengthen laws that facilitate the prosecution of these criminals while toughening punishments against them.

At a time of economic difficulty, there are lessons to be learned from North Carolina's long-term commitment to attract IP-driven industries, to invest in research and development and to protect the home-grown innovations. By doing so, the state is well-positioned to remain a hub for innovation, job creation and to remain on the cutting edge of developing solutions to global challenges.

(Caroline Joiner is vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Intellectual Property Center.)