Intellectual property (IP) serves as a foundation for innovation, empowering creators and driving national economic advancement. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its annual IP Champion Awards reception, bringing together influential figures from business, policy, and creative industries to honor those advancing the protection of IP rights in the United States and globally. n nThe significance of IP extends beyond individual creators—it supports entire sectors such as entertainment, technology, and manufacturing. According to research conducted by the U.S. Chamber, intellectual property contributes more than $5 trillion to the economy through employment across all 50 states. Additionally, it drives $799 billion in research and development expenditures and generates $140.36 billion in exports tied to IP-intensive industries. An interactive state-by-state map illustrates how these contributions vary regionally, highlighting the widespread impact. n nThis year’s honorees reflect a broad spectrum of leadership and initiative in defending intellectual assets. John Squires, head of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), opened the event by emphasizing IP’s role in supporting startups, established enterprises, investors, and national security. n nRep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) was awarded the Excellence in Leadership honor for championing legislative efforts that strengthen legal safeguards for inventors and artists. Kira Alvarez of Paramount Skydance, accepting on his behalf, praised Johnson’s commitment to ensuring equitable protections for small businesses and innovators in the tech space. n nSen. Tom Tillis (R-NC) also received the Leadership award for advancing policies that reinforce the U.S. IP framework and combat digital piracy. He stressed that without robust protection for creative and scientific work, the nation risks losing a key driver of its global competitiveness. n nElaine Marshall, North Carolina’s Secretary of State, was recognized with the Excellence in IP Enforcement award for her efforts in curbing counterfeit goods. She warned that unsafe knockoff products—especially those involving electronics or health-related items—pose serious risks to consumers if left unchecked. n nMitch Glazier, head of the Recording Industry Association of America, earned the Excellence in Creativity award for his long-standing advocacy on behalf of musicians and composers. Ruth Vitale of CreativeFuture noted that Glazier consistently centers human stories in policy discussions, ensuring that behind every legal battle are real individuals striving to earn a living from their art. n nInternationally, Operation 404—a collaborative anti-piracy effort led by Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security—was honored with the Excellence in International Enforcement award. Stan McCoy of the Entertainment Software Association described the initiative as a benchmark for global enforcement, combining legal actions, technical tools, and cross-border coordination. n nAhead of the ceremony, a symposium organized by the U.S. Chamber addressed rising concerns about digital piracy and its ties to organized crime. Participants underscored the need for greater awareness among both lawmakers and the public regarding the economic and social costs of IP theft. n nNotable remarks included Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) stating that fostering creativity requires not only legal protection but also effective distribution channels. Singer-songwriter Victoria Shaw shared that IP rights directly support her ability to provide for her family. Steve Kang of NBCUniversal highlighted the challenge of educating consumers and officials about the real-world damage caused by unauthorized content sharing. Michael Lewan of the Music Fights Fraud Alliance called for law enforcement agencies worldwide to treat piracy as a serious threat requiring coordinated responses. n
— news from U.S. Chamber of Commerce
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Celebrating IP Champions: Driving Innovation and Economic Growth
Sean Hackbarth n nSenior Editor, Digital Content, U.S. Chamber of Commerce n nPublished n nNovember 20, 2025 n nShare n nInnovation thrives when intellectual property (IP) is protected. It fuels creativity and drives economic growth. At this year’s IP Champion Awards reception, the U.S. Chamber brought together business leaders, policymakers, and creators to celebrate those leading the fight to safeguard IP. n nWhy it matters: IP is the cornerstone of innovation and economic progress. It not only powers industries like music, film, and technology but also creates opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed. n nBy the numbers: According to U.S. Chamber research, IP supported: n n u200cOver $5 trillion in jobs across all industries and states. n n$799 billion in R&D spending. n n$140.36 billion in total IP-related exports. n nThis interactive map shows the economic impact of IP by state. n nHonoring IP Champions n nThis year’s IP Champions represent a diverse group of leaders and initiatives who made significant contributions to the protection of IP in the U.S. and worldwide. n nJohn Squires, Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), kicked off the event by noting how important IP is “to our new companies and our great companies, our investors and entrepreneurs, their families, their communities, our economy, our national security, and to the future success of our nation.” n nRep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) received the Award for Excellence in Leadership for advocating for policies that protect creators, inventors, and innovators. “Representative Johnson’s work ensures that artists, small businesses, and tech innovators all have the legal protections they need to thrive,” said Kira Alvarez, vice president for government relations at Paramount Skydance, who accepted the award on Rep. Johnson’s behalf. n nSen. Tom Tillis (R-NC) received the Award for Excellence in Leadership for his work in strengthening America’s IP system and combating online piracy. “If you don’t find a way to protect that art and that science, then we as a nation will lose one of the things that I think has made us an exceptional nation,” said Tillis. n nNorth Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall earned the Award for Excellence in IP Enforcement for her leadership in the fight against counterfeit goods. “If you plug it in the wall or take it in your body, you expect it to be safe, and if we don’t fight these counterfeiters, that will no longer be true,” Marshall emphasized. n nMitch Glazier, CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America, was recognized with the Award for Excellence in Creativity for his dedication to protecting the livelihoods of artists and songwriters. “Mitch never loses sight of the people behind the policy,” said Ruth Vitale, CEO of CreativeFuture. “He knows that every line of legislation, every negotiation, every court case, is ultimately about artists and songwriters, people who are simply trying to share their creativity with the world and make a living doing it.” n nOperation 404, an anti-piracy initiative led by Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security, received the Award for Excellence in International Enforcement. Stan McCoy, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Entertainment Software Association, praised the program as “a model for coordinated anti-piracy enforcement, combining legal, technical, and international strategies.” n nCalling for Action Against Piracy n nBefore the IP Champions reception, at U.S. Chamber’s digital piracy symposium, advocates and industry leaders highlighted the importance of IP in fostering creativity and sustaining livelihoods. They also addressed the escalating threats of piracy and organized crime. n nWhat they said: n n“If you’re going to incent creativity, you need to have protection, but you also need to have distribution.” – Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) n n“Intellectual property is something I feed my children, support my family with, so it’s very important.” – Singer-songwriter Victoria Shaw n n“I think a broader challenge… is just overcoming the lack of understanding, both by policymakers and by consumers, of harms caused by piracy.” – Steve Kang, Senior Vice President for Content Protection at NBCUniversal n n“[We need] a more mature and serious approach to how law enforcement and regulators around the world take this as an actual threat.” – Michael Lewan, Executive Director of the Music Fights Fraud Alliance n nAbout the author n nSean Hackbarth n nSean writes about public policies affecting businesses including energy, health care, and regulations. When not battling those making it harder for free enterprise to succeed, he raves about all things Wisconsin (his home state) and religiously follows the Green Bay Packers. n nRead more n nTopics n nIntellectual Property