Although the report praised several countries for the positive steps taken to improve their IP regimes, it called on certain governments to take stronger action against commercial piracy and counterfeiting, arguing that these areas in particular remain a global problem.
Countries listed on the USTR’s Priority Watch List (which are not therefore considered by the department to provide an adequate level of IP protection, enforcement, or market access for persons relying on intellectual property) included: Argentina, the Bahamas, Brazil, Egypt, EU, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Taiwan, and Turkey.
Ukraine continued to be listed as a Priority Foreign Country, and may therefore be subjected to accelerated investigations and possible sanctions.
Thirty-four of the US’ trading partners were placed, or remained, on the Watch List, and will therefore be encouraged to enter into talks with the United States in order to address perceived IP protection problems.
These included: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovak Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
In addition, China and Paraguay were placed under Section 306 monitoring, which is designed to address IP problems in countries with which the US is already negotiating bilateral agreements on such matters.
Speaking following publication of the report, US Trade Representative, Robert Zoellick announced that:
“We are encouraged by the positive steps that several countries have taken to strengthen IPR protection over the past year. However, the need for significant improvement remains, particularly in the areas of implementation and enforcement.”
“This report sends a message to governments on this year’s list that it is important to exercise the political will necessary to effectively address IP-related concerns.οΎ”
Glen Shapiro, LawAndTax-News.com
