The International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) is a private sector coalition formed in 1984 to represent the U.S. copyright-based industries in bilateral and multilateral efforts to improve international protection of copyrighted materials. IIPA is comprised of seven trade associations, each representing a significant segment of the U.S. copyright community. These member associations represent 1,900 U.S. companies producing and distributing materials protected by copyright laws throughout the world – all types of computer software including business applications software and entertainment software (such as videogame CDs and cartridges, personal computer CD-ROMs and multimedia products); theatrical films, television programs, home videos and digital representations of audiovisual works; music, records, CDs, and audiocassettes; and textbooks, tradebooks, reference and professional publications and journals (in both electronic and print media).

The U.S. copyright-based industries are one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors of the U.S. economy.  Inexpensive and accessible reproduction technologies, however, make it easy for copyrighted materials to be pirated in other countries. Losses due to piracy of U.S. copyrighted materials around the world are conservatively estimated to reach $30-$35 billion annually (not including internet piracy). IIPA and its member associations track copyright legislative and enforcement developments in over 80 countries, working with U.S. government, foreign government and private sector representatives. IIPA’s goal is a legal and enforcement regime for copyright that not only deters piracy, but that also fosters technological and cultural development in these countries, and encourages local investment and employment.  

IIPA works closely with the U.S. Trade Representative in the annual "Special 301" reviews on whether acts, policies or practices of any foreign country deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or fair and equitable market access for U.S. persons relying on intellectual property protection. IIPA was the principal representative of these copyright industries in assisting the U.S. government in the WTO TRIPS negotiations, the NAFTA negotiations and at the Diplomatic Conference leading to the completion of the two "Internet" treaties in WIPO in 1996. IIPA has also worked with the U.S. government on the IPR provision of all the recent Free  Trade  Agreements and in securing full implementation of the WIPO Internet treaties globally. It participates in policy developments in copyright and enforcement issues in  bilateral and  regional initiatives such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). IIPA participates in trade actions brought under trade laws, such as the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and other trade preference programs.  IIPA is a non-governmental organization at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

As technology rapidly changes, IIPA is working to ensure that high levels of copyright protection become a central component in the legal framework for the growth of global electronic commerce.  Strong legal protections against the theft of intellectual property are essential for achieving the full economic and social potential of global e-commerce.  To advance this goal, IIPA is working for the prompt ratification and effective implementation of the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty in as many countries as possible.