BIDEN'S CHOICE FOR IP MAN THRILLS RIAA

Taking a break from haggling over the cost of upgraded meals on Amtrak’s dining cars, President Biden announced his intention to nominate Chris Wilson as the Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator at the Office of the United States Trade Representative, where he’ll lead the administration’s policy on IP rights.

According to the RIAA, the U.S. economy loses $12.5b annually because of music theft. So let’s just say the RIAA is super-stoked about Wilson's getting the nod.

“Chris is deeply knowledgeable on trade and intellectual property-rights issues and brings an unmatched wealth of experience in critical regions from Europe to the Middle East to Latin America and Central Asia,” said RIAA Senior Vice President George York. “He is a much-welcome addition to USTR’s Innovation and Intellectual Property Office, which has been a champion of American creators and their contributions to U.S. jobs and growth through U.S. trade-policy engagement.”

Sounds great, but does he know anything about bridges and tunnels?