Statement by United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk regarding the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

Ambassador Kirk issued the following statement regarding today’s signing ceremony for the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA):

“We are pleased that the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement is the product of close cooperation between the United States and Japan.

“Since the beginning of this negotiation, our two countries have worked together to develop the concept, bring other key countries into the process, and conclude a high-standard agreement among all the parties that will protect our creators and innovators.

“Beyond being an important agreement to protect U.S. and Japanese innovators, ACTA is a clear example of the strength of the U.S.-Japan partnership on economic issues.”

Deputy United States Trade Representative Miriam Sapiro signed the Agreement on behalf of the United States in Tokyo.