fully with the commitments it made on this issue during the WTO accession process. The United States continues to recommend that Tajikistan increase prosecutions of criminal IPR infringement, enforce laws against widespread optical disc piracy, and address a report alleging endemic government use of unlicensed software. An industry survey from 2007-08 estimated that up to 90 percent of software operating on the government's computers is unlicensed. The United States notes that the Government of Tajikistan also developed its 2014-2020 National Strategy for the Development of Intellectual Property, but has not allocated money to implement it. The OCR will evaluate whether Tajikistan adopts a presidential-level decree, law, or regulation mandating government use of licensed software and implements its WTO accession-related commitment to provide ex officio enforcement authority for enforcement officials. The United States stands ready to assist through enhanced engagement or technical assistance, if requested.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan remains on the Watch List in 2015. The United States will conduct an OCR in 2015 to evaluate the possibility of removing Turkmenistan from the Special 301 Watch List as noted below. In 2012, Turkmenistan adopted a Law on Copyright and Allied Rights and amended its Civil Code to enhance IPR protection. However, Turkmenistan reportedly has yet to provide for effective administrative, civil or criminal procedures or penalties for enforcement of these rights. The United States urges Turkmenistan to provide these enforcement procedures, including ex officio authority for its customs officials. In addition, the United States continues to strongly encourage Turkmenistan to join the Berne Convention and other international IPR treaties. The United States is also concerned about reports of widespread usage of unlicensed software on government computers. The United States seeks an affirmative response from the Government of Turkmenistan mandating that government agencies use only licensed software and comply with international agreements regarding copyright protection as a signal of Turkmenistan's commitment to protect and enforce IPR. The OCR will evaluate whether Turkmenistan addresses existing gaps in its IPR legal framework, including by joining the Berne Convention, and issuing a presidential-level decree, law, or regulation mandating government use of licensed software. The United States stands ready to assist through enhanced engagement or technical assistance, if requested.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan remains on the Watch List in 2015. While Uzbekistan made some progress towards better IPR protection in past years, there was little progress last year. The United States urges the Uzbek Parliament to take several critical legislative steps to address longstanding deficiencies in IPR protection: (1) approve Uzbekistan joining the Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms Against Unauthorized Duplication of their Phonographs (Geneva Phonograms Convention); (2) approve Uzbekistan's accession to the WIPO Internet Treaties; and (3) take legislative action to provide adequate copyright protection for foreign sound
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