IP Enforcement Roundup

Consumers International IP Watchlist 2011

Consumers International has published its annual IP Watchlist, which “assesses the fairness of the world’s intellectual property laws and enforcement practices from an important yet under-represented perspective: that of an ordinary consumer.”  The best-rated countries are Moldova, the U.S., India, Lebanon and New Zealand.  The worst-rated countries are Thailand, Chile, the UK, Brazil and Belarus.  The report also highlights some best (and worst) practices related to IP and access to knowledge goods, and briefly discusses the U.S. Special 301 Report.  Click here for more.

Senate Finance Committee Questions Ron Kirk on ACTA and TPP

KEI has posted the written answers submitted to the Senate Finance Committee by U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk after his March 9 testimony.  In his responses to questions from Sen. Wyden, Kirk asserts that “ACTA can be implemented without new legislation” and that it “does not constrain Congress’ authority to change U.S. law.”  Senator Carper attacked the 2007 trade policy deal between the Bush Administration and Congressional Democrats as one that “lowered Intellectual Property protections for pharmaceutical companies below U.S. standards contained in previous Free Trade Agreements“ and asked for reassurance that  pharmaceutical industry interests will receive the “highest levels of protection” in the TPP. Senator Hatch asked Kirk to “ensure that the TPP builds off the Korus Agreement to provide the highest IP standards.” Click here for more.

Update on the Brazilian Copyright Reforms

On April 20, the Brazilian Ministry of Culture announced that it is seeking comments on its draft legislation that would reform the country’s copyright law. Comments will be accepted until May 20, and the Ministry has identified topics on which it would like more input, such as the use of works on the internet and the reproduction of works.  Earlier in the week, Pedro Paranaguá noted that a detailed report by the Lula government on the proposed changes has not been made public, and that an upcoming meeting sponsored by the Ministry of Culture brings together government, copyright owners, and collection societies, but excludes civil society representatives and academics.  Click here for more.

EC Directorate-General for Trade to Hold Hearing on IP Enforcement in Third Countries

Ante Wessells has posted the following announcement from the EC: “In 2004, the Commission adopted a strategy for the enforcement of IP rights in third countries.  This strategy is currently being reviewed, on the basis of a recent study and other sources of input, including a public consultation (which will complement the broader one conducted in 2010 regarding the EU trade policy).  This review should result in the adoption of a new Commission Communication by the end of 2011. On May 10, in order to collect additional input in a more interactive way, the Commission (DG Trade) will organise a public hearing, for which it now invites applications for participation.  This hearing is open to all interested stakeholders.  Click here for more.

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