CompTIA Newsroom

WASHINGTON – CompTIA, the world’s leading technology association, released the following statement from CompTIA’s executive vice president for public advocacy Elizabeth Hyman following the issuance of a report into the investigation on China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation by President Trump and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR):

“Today’s report claims that the U.S. economy has suffered from Chinese policies, including its unfair forced technology transfers that require U.S. and other foreign firms to transfer sensitive technology to the Chinese government. Protecting intellectual property is the top challenge of U.S. technology firms doing business internationally, according to a recent CompTIA survey. The findings of this investigation validate that research showing that American technology companies are being undermined by intellectual property theft and that such theft results in significant costs to the U.S. economy.

“While the Administration’s investigation into China’s intellectual property practices provides for tools to resolve this long-standing issue, we are very concerned that the Administration’s decision to impose tariffs as a remedy will hurt American companies and the U.S. economy. The U.S. government should not punish American companies in its attempt to change Chinese behavior. We urge the Administration to engage in negotiations with the Chinese. The only way to resolve these issues is to work with our allies facing the same challenges in China.

“CompTIA will continue to engage with the Administration and Congress as they attempt to compel the Chinese government to be a more responsible international stakeholder.”

CompTIA submitted comments in response to this investigation, Federal Register notice (82 Fed. Reg. 40213) issued on August 24, 2017; comments submitted on September 28, 2017.

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The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the world's leading technology association, with approximately 2,000 member companies, 3,000 academic and training partners, over 100,000 registered users and more than two million IT certifications issued.  CompTIA's unparalleled range of programs foster workforce skills development and generate critical knowledge and insight –  building the foundation for technology’s future.

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Through its advocacy arm, CompTIA champions member-driven business and IT priorities that impact all information technology companies – from small managed solutions providers and software developers to large equipment manufacturers and communications service providers. CompTIA gives eyes, ears and a voice to technology companies, informing them of policy developments – and providing the means to do something about it. 

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