U.S. Heads Initiative for New Global Anti-Piracy Treaty

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 25, 2007 - 11:12am.

Washington - The U.S. Trade Representative has announced plans to establish a new global Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, but initial partners in the effort do not include two countries the U.S. considers to be major havens for piracy, China and Russia.

"Countries that are prepared to embrace strong IP enforcement will join together in a leadership group to negotiate a new agreement encompassing cooperation, practices that work, and a strong legal framework for IPR enforcement and actions to ensure those laws are used effectively," said Susan C. Schwab, the U.S. Trade Representative, in remarks before the Congressional Caucus on Intellectual Property and Piracy Prevention.

Countries supporting the effort initially include Canada, the 27 countries of the European Union, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand and Switzerland.

The agreement will seek stronger laws; closer cross-border cooperation in law enforcement; and adoptions of practices such as consultation with rights holders, and specialization in the IPR law enforcement system.

The news was applauded by copyright interests including the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA).

"We think this agreement will help shift the international debate on intellectual property rights in favor of international cooperation and strong enforcement standards," said MPAA CEO Dan Glickman.

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/ys5fvp (PDF: USTR statement)

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117974572.html

http://tinyurl.com/28jkny (PDF: MPAA statement)

http://www.iipa.com

Published in DMW Daily, October 25, 2007

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Comments

Why don't we stop the price

Submitted by anonymous (not verified) on November 9, 2007 - 7:57am.

Why don't we stop the price gouging. Do these people realize what it cost an average family to go to the movies these days. The admission is expensive and then refreshments are just through the roof. You could buy a 12pk of soda for the price you pay for a lg drink. If you try to bring your own drinks they will not let you in. Do you want to cut down piracy then lower your prices. Don't want to do that huh? Mpaa would rather prosecute and overcharge people. I guess if everyone said screw it and did not rent, buy or attend movies anymore then the price would drop. Really the consumer has the power to bring about change. Wake up people!