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2006 Special 301 Report [i] (2006)

handle is hein.trade/spthonerp2006 and id is 1 raw text is: 2006 SPECIAL 301 REPORT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2006 Special 301 annual review examines in detail the adequacy and effectiveness of
intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in 87 countries. Based on a lengthy process of
information gathering and analysis, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has
identified 48 countries that are designated in the categories of Priority Watch List, Watch List, or
Section 306 Monitoring. The Special 301 Report reflects the Administration's resolve to take
consistently strong actions under the Special 301 provisions of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade
Act).
This Administration is determined to ensure the adequate and effective protection of intellectual
property and fair and equitable market access for U.S. products. The designations and
corresponding requisite actions announced today result from close consultations with affected
industry groups, other private sector representatives, Congressional leaders, foreign
governments, and numerous agencies within the United States Government, and demonstrate the
Administration's commitment to use all available methods to resolve IPR issues.
Addressing weak IPR protection and enforcement, particularly in China and Russia, continues to
be one of the Administration's top priorities. Although this year's Special 301 Report shows
positive progress in many countries, rampant counterfeiting and piracy problems continue to
plague both China and Russia, indicating a critical need for stronger intellectual property
protection in China and Russia.
With respect to China, this year's Special 301 Report describes the United States' plan to
continue heightened scrutiny of China by maintaining China on the Priority Watch List and
continuing Section 306 monitoring, as well as stepping up consideration of World Trade
Organization (WTO) dispute settlement options. In addition, the United States will scrutinize
IPR protection and enforcement at China's provincial level through an unprecedented special
provincial review to be conducted in the coming year.
With respect to Russia, the Special 301 Report describes the United States' on-going IPR
discussions with Russia, outlines the United States' efforts to bring Russia's IPR regime in line
with international standards, notes some progress in Russia's recent efforts to combat IPR piracy
and counterfeiting, and announces continued heightened scrutiny of Russia by maintaining
Russia on the Priority Watch List. The United States will be monitoring closely China's and
Russia's IPR activities throughout the coming year.
In addition to China and Russia, the Special 301 Report sets out significant concerns with respect
to such trading partners as Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Israel, Lebanon,
Paraguay, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela. In addition, the report notes that the United States
will consider all options, including, but not limited to, initiation of dispute settlement
consultations in cases where countries do not appear to have implemented fully their obligations
under the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS
Agreement).

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