CEFIC, the association of chemical industry provides input to the industry committee ITRE of the European Parliament.
making a world of difference
European Chemical Industry Council – Cefic aisbl
Avenue E. van Nieuwenhuyse 4 B – 1160 Brussels Belgium Tel: +32 2 676 72 11 Fax: +32 2 676 73 01 mail@cefic.be http://www.cefic.org
To the members of the ITRE Committee
of the European Parliament
60, rue Wiertz
B-1047 Brussel22 May 2012
ACTA & the European Chemical industry
The Anti-counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) was negotiated by 37 countries and the European Union to improve the international framework for fighting counterfeiting and piracy and the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights.
Intellectual Property is of strategic importance for the competitiveness of the science–based and high technology chemicals industry, large enterprises and SMEs, to reward innovation. Many sectors of the chemical industry are hit by counterfeiting.
Therefore, the European chemical industry not only supports effective protection of Intellectual Property Rights such as patents but also strong measures to fight against counterfeiting both in the European Union and elsewhere in the world.
Considering the debate in the European Parliament on ACTA, the European Commission has asked the EU Court of Justice for opinion to provide clarity on concerns expressed on the fundamental rights and freedoms of European citizens.
We welcome this initiative and consider that any decision adopted before such opinion will put at risk the legal principles of Intellectual Property in Europe.
We therefore propose to the Members of the ITRE Committee of the European Parliament to wait for the opinion of the Court before voting on ACTA.
For further information do not hesitate to contact Nicole L Maréchal at ++ 32 2 676 72 18 or
nma@cefic.beBest regards,
Assessment
The chemical industry was less attached to the ACTA process so far, less vocal and visible. Now they raise their voice in support of the agreement. Unfortunately the letter falls short on arguments. It basically says X is a tool against Y. Y is a problem for us, please support X.
That is far too simple to be useful for MEPs. Just insert substitute X for rain dance, Y for drought.
And then there is a weak argument of signalling: “We welcome this initiative and consider that any decision adopted before such opinion will put at risk the legal principles of Intellectual Property in Europe.”
Which principles and how? Don’t forget we’re told it doesn’t change anything.
Sköne Oke 
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