The United States Trade Representative issued Federal Register notices on July 23, 2012, for comments on Mexico and Canada joining the TPP negotiations as regards several areas of the agreement, including intellectual property issues. Organizations and individuals responding with comments on intellectual property issues were generally supportive of new participants in the agreement.

The majority of commenters, including industry associations representing pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, were supportive of higher IP standards. Two organizations suggested requiring IP protections under the TPP that are similar to the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. Continue reading »