Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Reviews
As another mechanism for promoting strong intellectual property regimes around the world, USTR reviews IPR practices in connection with the implementation of trade preference programs such as the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). USTR will continue to review IPR practices in Russia, Lebanon, and Uzbekistan under ongoing GSP reviews.
STOP! Initiative
USTR is actively engaged in implementing the Administration's Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP!) initiative. Announced in October 2004, STOP! brings together all the major players – the federal government, private sector and trade partners – to take concerted action in cracking down on piracy and counterfeiting. The initiative is part of an effort to enhance coordination among all relevant U.S. Government agencies and U.S. trading partners to tackle this global problem. As part of STOP!, USTR continues to advocate the adoption of best practices guidelines for IPR enforcement. This year, USTR will continue its efforts to explore ways of strengthening IPR laws and enforcement and further solidifying international alliances against counterfeiting and piracy.
As part of this effort, USTR, in coordination with other agencies, is introducing new initiatives in multilateral fora to improve the global intellectual property environment that will aid in disrupting the operations of pirates and counterfeiters. Key initiatives have gained endorsement and are undergoing implementation in the G-8, the U.S.-EU Summit, the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) with Canada and Mexico, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
Implementation of the U.S.-EU Action Strategy for IPR Enforcement has focused on addressing concerns in key countries such as China and Russia through closer coordination and information exchange, in addition to increasing customs cooperation and providing technical assistance to third countries. Through a bilateral working group, the two sides have established regular information exchanges on efforts to improve China's intellectual property climate, and have deepened their IPR-related cooperation in the context of Russia's WTO accession. The Parties will endeavor to increase and expand these cooperative efforts.
Building on the 2005 APEC Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Initiative, APEC economies endorsed two new IPR guidelines in 2006: one, to better inform citizens about the importance of IPR protection and enforcement, and another to help secure business supply chains against counterfeit and pirated goods. These two new guidelines add to three guidelines endorsed in 2005 that are designed to reduce trade in counterfeit and pirated goods, reduce on-line piracy and protect against unauthorized copying in digital form, and prevent the sale of counterfeit and pirated products over the Internet. All five guidelines set high standards for IPR protection and enforcement in the APEC region.
5
