USTR Seeks Comments for "Special 301" Out-of-Cycle Review of Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Latvia, and Saudi Arabia Regarding IPR
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice requesting written comments on its Special 301 out-of-cycle reviews (OCRs) of Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Latvia, and Saudi Arabia regarding intellectual property rights (IPR).
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The USTR explains that on April 28, 2006, it announced the results of its 2006 Special 301 review and stated that OCRs would be conducted for Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Latvia, and Saudi Arabia. (See ITT's Online Archives or 05/05/06 news, 06050530, for BP summary of the results of the 2006 Special 301 review.)
According to the USTR, comments should include a description of the problems experienced, and the effect of the acts, policies, and practices on U.S. industry. Comments should be as detailed as possible and should provide all necessary information for assessing the effect of the acts, policies, and practices. USTR states that any comments that include quantitative loss claims should be accompanied by the methodology used in calculating such estimated losses.
(The USTR has previously stated that out-of-cycle reviews are conducted when countries require further monitoring, in addition to the annual review cycle. Under Special 301, placement on the Priority Watch List indicates that a country does not provide an adequate level of protection or enforcement of IPR or market access for persons relying on intellectual property. Countries placed on the Priority Watch List are the focus of increased bilateral attention concerning the problem area or practice. According to the USTR, only countries designated as Priority Foreign Countries under Special 301 are subject to accelerated investigations and possible sanctions.)
-Comments on Indonesia and Chile must be received on or before 5 p.m. on September 15, 2006; comments on Canada, Latvia, and Saudi Arabia must be received on or before 5 p.m. on October 2, 2006
USTR Contact - Rachel Bae (202) 395 - 4510
USTR Notice (FR Pub 08/23/06) available athttp://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-13916.pdf