defending IP - what is it worth

Senate Report 108-344, which accompanies the appropriations bill for Commerce, Justice, and State (S.2809), states that:

It is estimated that 50 percent of United States exports now depend on some form of intellectual property protection, compared to less than 10 percent 50 years ago. United States companies lose an estimated $200,000,000,000 to $250,000,000,000 to counterfeiting and piracy each year. Companies' ability to profit from their intellectual property is critical to their growth and, in turn, the health of the United States economy. There is widespread concern -- and the Committee [on Appropriations] agrees -- that not enough is being done to combat the counterfeiting and piracy of American intellectual property. Emphasis added

Another reason why IP (patents, copyrights, trademarks etc) is important.  Strong intellectual property systems enhance competition and grow the economy - they do not stifle it.

Thanks to Promote the Progress for the tip.