News

RIAA SVP International Policy George York Welcomes Annual Review

WASHINGTON, DC (April 29, 2025) – The US Trade Representative (USTR) annual Special 301 Report is available today here and offers a review of intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement around the world, including challenges facing the sound recording industry and the impact of copyright on this sector. USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer stresses that US creators are essential to our economic growth, competitiveness and jobs. Strong copyright protection is critical to protecting American dominance, preventing theft of creative works and defending US national economic security.

“The 2025 Special 301 Report offers a critical opportunity to send a clear and unambiguous message regarding the vital importance of copyright to the US economy,” commented RIAA SVP International Policy George York. “As President Trump’s Proclamation on World IP Day states, ‘we renew our resolve to protect and secure the creative triumphs of American inventors and artists as they work to pull the future into the present and turn their dreams into our reality […] The future of our great Nation depends on the continued safeguarding of our intellectual property, which fuels economic growth, technological progress and global competitiveness.’ 

“RIAA welcomes the spotlight on serious recording industry concerns in numerous countries from India to Mexico and Brazil to South Africa. Specifically, this year’s Report addresses copyright enforcement (internet service provider liability, injunctive relief and statutory damages); treaty implementation and overbroad exceptions. This is a notable first step as countries such as Indonesia have proposed text and data mining (TDM) exceptions for AI training, which the creative industry strongly opposes. Copyright protection in the context of AI is of vital importance and this Report supports foundational elements as we prioritize creators’ rights across the globe.

“We thank Ambassador Greer and interagency teams for their relentless commitment to promoting US creators and protecting valuable copyright around the world. Their instrumental role in defending American competitiveness is essential for US international economic engagement and future successes.” York also recently penned an op-ed for IPWatchdog on World IP Day, expanding on the importance of American IP especially as some irresponsible tech companies race ahead unchecked, trampling culture and undermining copyright incentive. Read here.