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February 12, 2005
RIAA Submits Report To Federal Government Outlining Piracy Problems In More Than 60 Countries
[The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), together with associations representing other sectors of the U.S. copyright industry, who collectively constitute the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA), today filed a report with United States Trade Representative (USTR) identifying copyright problems more than 60 countries. The report was submitted under a provision of trade law known as "Special 301" through which USTR identifies countries whose performance in the protection of intellectual property is inadequate. Identification under Special 301 can have a number of ramifications, and can lead to the imposition of sanctions (for countries identified as Priority Foreign Countries), the suspension of trade benefits under programs such as General System of Preferences, the initiation of disputes in the World Trade Organization or under other regional and/or bilateral agreements. For a copy of the report, please see www.iipa.com]The following is a statement from Neil Turkewitz, Executive Vice President, International of RIAA:
"America's cultural industries represent the social and economic vanguard of our nation, and are at the heart of America's present and future global competitiveness. The importance of our industries, and consequently of effective copyright protection, has been increasingly recognized by all branches of the U.S. government. Today, even as we identify the many problems that we confront in foreign markets, we salute the tremendous efforts of USTR and the entire Administration and Congress in pressing for reform. Their efforts have been truly remarkable.
"Today's filing reinforces a submission made earlier this week by the same coalition of copyright industries proposing that USTR initiate consultations with China in the WTO. We also propose that USTR identify Russia as a Priority Foreign Country, and immediately suspend its eligibility to participate in the Generalized System of Preferences program (GSP) under which many of its goods receive favorable treatment when entering the United States. A nation whose de facto policy permits the unchecked activity of commercial pirates should not be granted favorable treatment, and we hope that Russia will soon take steps to address a problem that has lingered for far too long. We also call on USTR to maintain the Priority Foreign Country status of neighboring Ukraine, a country that has failed to fulfill all of its commitments on copyright enforcement. We are, however, encouraged by the arrival of a new and pro-active government, which raises hope for a rapid solution of our outstanding problems in Ukraine"
"In other highlights of the report, we reiterate our concerns about rampant piracy in Brazil, and renew our recommendation to USTR that they remove Brazil's eligibility under GSP for that country's failure to take effective action against a piracy situation that is decimating their own and U.S. copyright industries. The Brazilian Government's refusal to take meaningful action is hard to understand, particularly in light of the impact on its local creators, and the fact that the Brazilian Congress communicated a detailed report to the Lula Administration more than six months ago highlighting the negative impact of piracy on the Brazilian economy, and recommending a number of specific actions. We also propose that Pakistan be identified as a Priority Foreign Country for its failure to adequately address the mass production and export of pirate discs. Pakistan has emerged as one of the world's leading exporters of pirate product, and it, and we, can simply not afford to permit such continued lawlessness."
"Our report also highlights some positive developments in a number of key territories, including Mexico, Spain and Paraguay. In each of these countries, however, piracy continues to greatly prejudice the vitality of the record industry, and we urge these governments to build on present efforts and expand their reach and effectiveness. In Mexico, the Office of the Attorney General has really stepped up activity, but the system as a whole still fails to provide deterrence, and more resources are needed. In Spain, the government has also enhanced its enforcement efforts, but the situation remains dire for the record industry, and we hope that plans recently announced by the government will fully integrate all agencies that can play a role in effecting meaningful and systematic change. In Paraguay, President Duarte-Frutos has launched an impressive campaign against corruption, and Minister of Industry and Commerce Bergen has directed an initiative aimed at rooting out criminal enterprises involved in copyright piracy. While much remains to be accomplished, the political will of this Government to significantly alter the situation in Paraguay is palpable, and the future looks bright." [press release]
Posted by BIGBAER at February 12, 2005 02:12 PM
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