ARGENTINA
Argentina will remain on the Priority Watch List in 2008. Although cooperation has improved between Argentina's enforcement authorities and U.S. copyright industries, and the Argentine Customs authority has taken steps to improve enforcement, the United States encourages stronger IPR enforcement actions to combat the widespread availability of pirated and counterfeit products. Copyright piracy remains a significant problem in numerous industry sectors. Civil damages are ineffective and in criminal cases the judiciary is apparently reluctant to impose deterrent-level penalties. The United States notes that Argentina continues to make progress in decreasing its backlog of patent applications. However, Argentina still does not provide adequate protection against unfair commercial use of undisclosed test and other data generated to obtain marketing approval for pharmaceutical products. The United States also urges Argentina to implement an effective coordination system between its health and patent authorities to prevent the issuance of marketing approvals for unauthorized copies of patented pharmaceutical products. The United States will continue to monitor Argentina's efforts to address these IPR concerns.
CHILE
Chile will remain on the Priority Watch List in 2008. Chile's IPR performance continues to fall well below expectations for a U.S. free trade agreement partner. The United States remains concerned about inadequate protection against unfair commercial use of undisclosed test and other data generated to obtain marketing approval for pharmaceutical products and insufficient coordination between Chile's health and patent authorities to prevent the issuance of marketing approvals for unauthorized copies of patented pharmaceutical products. While some U.S. pharmaceutical companies have reported positive outcomes in patent infringement cases, the underlying weaknesses in Chile's legal regime require resolution in order for Chile to fully implement its obligations under the U.S.-Chile FTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The United States also remains concerned about continuing copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting. Chile's Congress is continuing to consider legislation to implement various provisions of the FTA regarding Internet service provider liability, limitations and exceptions to copyright protection, and enforcement and penalties against copyright infringement. Further amendments to Chile's IPR legislation are needed to bring Chile's IPR regime into line with its multilateral and bilateral commitments. The United States will continue to work together with Chile on the implementation of its IPR commitments in the FTA.
INDIA
India will remain on the Priority Watch List in 2008. The United States remains concerned about inadequate IPR protection and enforcement in India. The United States continues to urge India to improve its IPR regime by providing stronger protection for copyrights, trademarks, and patents, as well as protection against unfair commercial use of undisclosed test and other data generated to obtain marketing approval for pharmaceutical products. The United States encourages India to implement the WIPO Internet Treaties by strengthening its copyright laws, and to improve its IPR enforcement system by enacting and implementing an effective optical disc licensing scheme to combat optical disc piracy. Piracy remains a serious problem in India, as does trademark counterfeiting, including of pharmaceuticals and distilled spirits. India's criminal IPR enforcement regime remains weak, with improvements needed in the areas of police action against pirates and counterfeiters, expeditious judicial dispositions for copyright
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