Good news from the U.S. Trade Representative's office, what I consider already one of the most vigilant defenders of artists' rights in the US government. USTR is breaking out IP from a department where it was one of several issues to create a new Intellectual Property office, to be headed by the very capable Victoria A. Espinel; see USTR release here. Espinel already was the principal U.S. trade negotiator on intellectual property, representing the US at the World Trade Organization and in free trade agreements.

Under Zoellick, Portman and now Ambassador Susan Schwab, USTR has been aggressive in ensuring IP protection is a critical part of trade agreements worldwide. Here's what Schwab had to say about the change:

"Americans are among the world's greatest innovators, in no small part because of the strength of our respect for intellectual property rights in the United States," said Ambassador Schwab. "In the global economy, maintaining protections for American innovations abroad is critical to advancing U.S. competitiveness. Protection of Intellectual Property by other nations is also critical to their own economic development, including promotion of indigenous innovations, creativity and access to innovations by consumers and promoters of innovation."

"The creation of a new office at USTR enhances our focus on protecting intellectual property," continued Schwab. "Since joining USTR in 2001, Ms. Espinel has been a driving force in advancing intellectual property protections through the World Trade Organization, our free trade agreements, and numerous other diplomatic channels. She brings a wealth of experience to the position, and will continue to put her skills to great use in this new role."

USTR is putting additional resources into this new office, and is boosting staff, including the addition of USTR Associate General Counsel Stanford McCoy as Chief Negotiator for Intellectual Property Enforcement; he will lead the office’s intellectual property enforcement efforts, with a special focus on priority countries, including China and Russia.

Now let's go get Doha done!