Identification of Countries Under Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974: Request for Public Comment

요약

Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2242), requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to identify countries that deny adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights or deny fair and equitable market access to U.S. persons who rely on intellectual property protection. (Section 182 is commonly referred to as the "Special 301" provisions in the Trade Act.) On April 30, 2002 USTR announced the results of the 2002 Special 301 review. As part of that announcement it was stated that several Out-of-Cycle Reviews (OCRs) would be conducted this fall. USTR requests written comments from the public concerning the acts, policies, and practices of those trading partners that are relevant to the decision as to whether particular trading partners should be identified under Section 182 of the Trade Act. In addition, USTR is seeking comment on the United States Government's 1998 Memorandum of Understanding with Paraguay on intellectual property matters, including enforcement.