{"id":74361,"date":"2016-09-21T16:34:17","date_gmt":"2016-09-21T16:34:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=b42163b1dac8a8c5826878e56ff4530b"},"modified":"2016-09-21T16:34:17","modified_gmt":"2016-09-21T16:34:17","slug":"speech-baroness-neville-rolfe-speech-at-the-2016-international-law-enforcement-ip-crime-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=74361","title":{"rendered":"Speech: Baroness Neville-Rolfe speech at the 2016 International Law Enforcement IP Crime Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Good morning everybody, and thank you for welcoming me here today.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m especially glad to be standing before you all here in London, particularly in this tenth year of the International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property Crime Conference.<\/p>\n

Already you have heard some fascinating conversations on the future of intellectual property and the practicalities of cooperation, but there is more to be said. As the Minister responsible for IP<\/abbr> I am well aware of the importance of new ideas \u2013 and I would like to thank the wonderful speakers who have gone before me and all who have attended this conference from around the world.<\/p>\n

In the ten years since our first conference the world has changed significantly, and technology has progressed at an incredible pace. In 2006 all cars needed human drivers, and tweeting was for the birds! But thanks in no small part to Britain\u2019s own Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the globe has become truly connected, with individuals and organisations from all over the world able to reach each other.<\/p>\n

This means that products and services of all sizes have access to a far larger market, which has fuelled an explosion in IP<\/abbr>-intensive industries. One study has suggested these industries account for some 39% of the European Union\u2019s GDP. Recently published IPO<\/abbr> research also shows us that 53% of total UK investment in intangible assets was in assets protected by Intellectual Property Rights.<\/p>\n

But as we all know, this level of access is double edged. When an idea or a brand can reach a global audience in minutes, it can be hard to maintain control. IP<\/abbr> rights are undermined by infringements. As much as 5% of goods entering the European market are thought to be counterfeit, according to our friends at the EU Intellectual Property Office.<\/p>\n

Some people will say that this is \u201cjust a headache for big brands.\u201d But this is far from the case. IP<\/abbr> crime affects all parts of the supply chain, including manufacturers and retailers. Many small innovators have fallen victim to larger criminal enterprises hijacking their designs. Meanwhile customers find that quality is no longer a guarantee, undermining trust, or, in the worst cases, causing mechanical failures and personal injuries.<\/p>\n

I have been working with industry and officials all over the world: here in the UK, throughout Europe and as far away as South-East Asia. Only a few weeks ago I was in China where we discussed how we might work together to reduce both the demand for and the supply of set-top boxes that allow illegal access to subscription services. Much as I\u2019d enjoy a 24 hour cricket channel, this is not the way to view it!!<\/p>\n

Again, some might see this as a \u201cvictimless\u201d crime; one which only affects abstract broadcasters and content owners, with little impact on \u201creal people.\u201d But think of the support technician whose legitimate employer no longer has enough work for them. Think of the honest tradesman fitting genuine equipment who finds himself threatened and intimidated by a criminal gang.<\/p>\n

With IP<\/abbr> crime, as with all crime, there are a few criminals who benefit personally, and a far greater number of law-abiding citizens who suffer. Danny Marti spoke very powerfully yesterday about the human cost and child labour. We cannot forget those victims.<\/p>\n

This is a serious issue for everyone, with victims and perpetrators of all sizes across the globe. Which is why it\u2019s crucial that we all work together to combat this growing threat, both to stop the criminals involved in IP<\/abbr> crime, and to safeguard IP<\/abbr> holders and innovators by refusing to let criminality take root.<\/p>\n

The British Government have made enforcement of IP<\/abbr> rights a priority. Enforcement must be proportionate, and it must be effective, both in terms of convictions and deterrence. Crucially, it must be straight-forward, so that potential victims can easily understand the support on hand. On many measures, Britain is the best place in Europe to innovate, patent new ideas and grow business, and the government is committed to keeping it that way.<\/p>\n

When I speak of cooperation I don\u2019t just mean between governments and law enforcement agencies. Suppliers and consumers must be brought on board too. That\u2019s why Internet Service Providers in the UK are required to block sites carrying large amounts of illegal content, as well as their proxy sites, while we work to ensure that search engines do not link to the worst offending sites.<\/p>\n

We are also expanding our voluntary anti-piracy projects, which warn internet users when they are breaching copyright. In our IP<\/abbr> Enforcement Strategy 2020 I set out my belief that guiding consumers to legal content when they search will help ensure that the vast appetite that exists for new and creative content benefits the legitimate creators, and not those criminals who cynically exploit the hard work of others. An informed public is an essential weapon in this fight.<\/p>\n

In our document we set out our plans to support innovation and creativity while remaining a world leader in IP<\/abbr> enforcement. I would urge you to take a look at the document, as it covers a large number of commitments covering the full spectrum of IP<\/abbr> enforcement.<\/p>\n

Our core ambitions are to ensure:<\/p>\n