The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition filed comments with the US Trade Representative as part of the annual Special 301 review of the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) around the world.
The IACC’s comments focused on ten countries of concern, most notably China, Russia and Canada – each of which was recommended for inclusion on USTR’s Priority Watch List. Six countries – Brazil, Mexico, The Philippines, South Africa, Spain, and Turkey were recommended for the lower, Watch List, category. The IACC also recommended continued monitoring of progress and implementation of existing efforts in Paraguay.
Robert Barchiesi, President of the IACC, noted, “Counterfeiting and piracy continue to rob legitimate manufacturers of much-needed revenue, slowing the creation of jobs that is vital to economic recovery, and discouraging the type of innovation and capital investment that is essential to long-term growth.” Intellectual property theft, in the form of trademark counterfeiting and piracy remains a major concern for US businesses, and is estimated to cost the U.S. economy up to $250 billion each year, and 750,000 jobs.
“The Special 301 process is an opportunity for open discussion about what countries are doing well, and what they could be doing better,” continued Barchiesi, “and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to this dialogue between our partners in the public sector, both here in the United States and abroad.” The IACC’s recommendations were submitted in response to a request by the USTR, seeking input relevant to foreign governments’ protection of intellectual property rights and market access.
