Press Releases 2009
U.S.-Greek Copyright Law Forum
Athens (February 23, 2009) -- The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Global Intellectual Property Academy and the Hellenic Copyright Organization co-sponsored a forum on copyright law for 35 Greek judges on February 20. U.S. participation was led by Judge Michael Chagares of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, who is a second-generation Greek American.
“In this digital age, we must protect innovation and encourage creativity,” U.S. Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard highlighted, stressing the unique role that judges play in fostering entrepreneurship during a reception at his residence honoring the participants. Deputy Chief of Mission Deborah A. McCarthy opened the forum at the Hilton Hotel in Athens.
Although the level of copyright piracy in Greece remained high in 2008, copyright industries report that their working relationships with the Greek enforcement authorities improved substantially compared to 2007. The U.S. and Greece continue to work together to raise awareness about the enforcement of intellectual property rights. This event is the second in a series of USPTO-funded events in Greece.