WASHINGTON--9 May--PRNewswire-AsiaNet/InfoQuest Theft of American Property Threatens Jobs and Economic Strength USA For Innovation ( http://www.usaforinnovation.org ) today released an open letter to Members of the United States Congress reminding them of the importance of intellectual property (IP) to the American economy and to encourage them to confront threats from Thailand and Brazil to abrogate such assets. In the letter, USA For Innovation Executive Director Ambassador Ken Adelman cites the enormous value of intellectual property to the U.S. economy at between $5 trillion and $5.5 trillion, equal to approximately 45% of the U.S. GDP, and greater than the GDP of any other nation in the world. Ambassador Adelman also notes with concern Brazil's pursuit of its own compulsory license last week in the wake of Thailand's attack on American patents. The implication of such actions, he adds, "hurts local firms in Brazil and Thailand trying to attract foreign investment. It hurts their patients, who will no longer have access to patented medicines which, in many cases, are the only treatments proven safe and effective..." Noting that Thailand is presently a recipient of "military, humanitarian and other forms of assistance from the U.S. government, in addition to private donations from millions of American charities..." Ambassador Adelman concludes that "(i)t seems appropriate to remind leaders of these countries that the United States will protect innovation-producing American firms and jobs. Doing so now, in a vigorous manner, will save lives in these countries and throughout the world..." More information about Thailand's attacks against American intellectual property can be found on USA For Innovation's website at: http://www.usaforinnovation.org About USA For Innovation USA For Innovation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of intellectual property and continued innovation around the globe. USA For Innovation educates decision makers, the media and general public about threats to innovation. For additional information, please contact us at 866-646-8668 or [email protected] . SOURCE: USA For Innovation CONTACT: USA for Innovation +1-866-646-8668 [email protected] Web site: http://www.usaforinnovation.org --Distributed by AsiaNet ( www.asianetnews.net )--