Global IP Attachés Convene in Washington to Address Emerging Challenges in Intellectual Property Enforcement

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) convened its 19th Annual IP Attaché Roundtable in Washington, D.C. The event featured numerous IP attachés from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) who reported on global trends in intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement.

The roundtable included four panels that reviewed IP developments throughout the year across diverse regions including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Discussions highlighted persistent challenges such as online piracy, the proliferation of counterfeit goods, and the safeguarding of pharmaceutical IP rights.

A notable concern raised was the expansion of counterfeit products into high-technology and health and safety sectors. Specific examples included counterfeit tourniquets discovered on the front lines in Ukraine that failed to function properly, and drones equipped with semiconductor chips originating from China but falsely marketed as U.S.-made.

In efforts to enhance diplomatic engagement, the U.S. government is pursuing an elevation of IP attachés’ diplomatic status to consular level, aiming to improve their access to international officials and facilitate more effective IP enforcement cooperation.

Regional updates included Brazil’s Operation 404 Anti-Piracy Initiative entering its eighth phase, marked by the largest mobilization to date involving 44 search and seizure warrants and the blocking of access to hundreds of infringing websites.

The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait reported successful blocking of websites containing infringing content. The UAE also introduced an innovative one-day trademark search and grant program to expedite IP protection.

Within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), efforts continue to expand bilateral agreements, Patent Prosecution Highways (PPH), and accelerated examination options to streamline patent processes.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum submitted a comprehensive initiative to the Mexican Senate proposing reforms to federal IP law. These reforms address provisional patents, patent term adjustments for pharmaceuticals, and the application of artificial intelligence in IP infringement detection.

South Africa presented its “Innovation for All” framework, emphasizing inclusivity in innovation as a national priority.

In the European Union, active negotiations are underway concerning new general pharmaceutical legislation, referred to as the “EU Pharma Package,” aimed at strengthening IP protections in the pharmaceutical sector.

The roundtable audience comprised company representatives and embassy staff engaged in the IP sector. USPTO Director John Squires delivered opening remarks, while Deborah Lashley-Johnson, Acting Director of the IP Attaché Program, provided a closing summary of the year’s initiatives.

Presenting IP attachés included Rachel Bae (Europe), Dorian Mazurkevich (Ukraine/Central Eurasia), Marina Lamm (WIPO/UN), Katherine Hiner (Sub-Saharan Africa), Rasha H. Abdelmagid (UAE), Matthew Kohner (Southeast Asia), Dinesh Sharma (India), Claudia Rojas (Mexico), Cairo Jennings (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela), Jennifer Chicoski (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru), Michael Mangelson (China and Mongolia), and Conrad Wong (Southern China, Hong Kong, and Macao).

Stakeholders and companies are encouraged to utilize the IP Attaché program when confronting IP enforcement or protection challenges or when entering new international markets. Additional information and regional contacts for the IP Attaché program are publicly available.