ARLINGTON, Va. - Dave McCurdy, President and CEO of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), appeared today in front of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on Capitol Hill to testify on the ongoing effort to protect intellectual property in China. McCurdy released the following statement:

"I appreciate the opportunity to come before the Commission to discuss the issue of intellectual property protection in China. I know the Commission is aware of what a growing problem this is.

"We have seen some small indications that the Chinese government is taking intellectual property more seriously. There has been progress - a very tiny amount - but not nearly enough. The most effective way to foster true enforcement of intellectual property rights protection is for domestic entrepreneurs and small businesses to have a real stake in the system. It is impossible for someone to take enforcement seriously if they have nothing of their own to protect. Encouraging innovation rather than mandating technology and standards is a definite step in the right direction of lowering non-tariff trade barriers."

McCurdy added: "According to a Chinese proverb, experience is a comb that nature gives to men when they are bald. By now, thousands of U.S. firms have had experiences with China - many good, some bad. EIA is working to ensure that more companies receive the benefit of that experience before they go bald."

EIA recently published a best practices guide to help more firms succeed and thrive in the Chinese market. U.S.-based companies must learn to navigate the Chinese legal system and local customs to protect their intellectual property.

This guide, entitled Protecting Intellectual Property Rights in China, outlines several points companies should consider before conducting business in China, including: incorporate China into your business plan; build anti-counterfeiting elements into your company's products, labeling and packaging; limit who has access to your company's core intellectual property; and segregate your intellectual property so that almost no one is able to see the entire picture.

The executive summary of Protecting Intellectual Property Rights in China is available on EIA's website at www.eia.org/ipr. McCurdy's full statement before today's Commission hearing is available at www.eia.org/innovation.

About EIA: The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is the leading advocate in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. high-tech industry. The Alliance, which traces its origins to the Radio Manufacturers Association (chartered in 1924), is a partnership of electronic and high-tech associations and companies whose mission is to promote the market development and competitiveness of the $400 billion U.S. high-tech and electronics industries through domestic and international policy efforts. EIA's corporate members - nearly 1,300 - provide products and services ranging from microscopic electronic components to state-of-the-art defense, space and industry high-tech systems, as well as the full range of telecommunications and consumer electronics products. Headquartered in Arlington, Va., the Alliance is made up of the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA); the Government Electronics & Information Technology Association (GEIA); JEDEC; the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA); and leading consumer electronics companies who participate in EIA's Environmental Issues Council. EIA is also heavily involved in cyber security issues through the Internet Security Alliance (ISAlliance), and education issues, through the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).