On a positive note, industry reports that legitimate DVD sales in Russia are on the rise, in part due to increased law enforcement action in this area, including a 2008 ban on camcording in movie theaters, and a growing preference for high quality products. While in the past U.S. firms complained about "trademark squatting" by Russian enterprises attempting to appropriate well-known trademarks, rights holders have recently been more successful in countering these schemes through the Russian court system or the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property, Patents, and Trademarks (Rospatent). In an effort to advance administrative IPR protection, a specialized higher patent chamber at Rospatent has brought greater expertise and efficiency to the adjudication of patent and trademark disputes. Industry has also reported a decline in the estimated business software piracy rate in Russia. Industry attributed the decrease to software legalization programs, government engagement, user education, and enforcement.
Algeria
Algeria will remain on the Priority Watch List in 2010. The United States continues to have serious concerns regarding an Algerian law that bans numerous imported pharmaceutical products and medical devices in favor of local production. Additional concerns remain over the lack of protection against unfair commercial use, as well as unauthorized disclosure, of undisclosed test and other data generated to obtain marketing approval for pharmaceutical products. Industry continues to raise concerns over the weak protection of patents in Algeria. Copyright piracy is also of concern, as is the overall weakness of Algerian enforcement efforts. The United States encourages Algeria to continue its WTO accession efforts and will continue to work with Algeria to address these IPR concerns.
Argentina
Argentina will remain on the Priority Watch List in 2010. The United States encourages Argentina to increase its efforts to combat rampant piracy and counterfeiting. Although industry reports continued cooperation with Argentine Customs and other law enforcement authorities in 2009, they also observe continuing enforcement challenges. Copyright piracy continues to present a problem, and industry reports concerns about growing Internet piracy. Positive developments in 2009 included an increase in the term of protection for sound recordings and performances, Argentina's conclusion of an agreement with local universities to curb book piracy, and significant seizures of counterfeit goods by Customs. Problems persist in the civil and criminal enforcement areas, however, including ineffective civil damages, non-deterrent penalties in criminal cases, and delays in the adjudication of IPR infringement cases. Argentina also continues to face a backlog of patent applications. The United States encourages Argentina to provide for protection against unfair commercial use, as well as unauthorized disclosure, of undisclosed test and other data generated to obtain marketing approvals for pharmaceutical products, and to provide an effective system to address patent issues expeditiously in connection
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