From AAIA’s Capital Report
WASHINGTON — During a press conference on Capitol Hill, U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab announced that the U.S. and several key trading partners are looking to negotiate a trade agreement to strengthen the worldwide fight against counterfeiting and piracy. Canada, the European Union, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand and Switzerland are currently participating in the talks about the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). The countries are looking to come to agreement on international cooperation, improving enforcement practices and providing strong legal framework for intellectual property rights enforcement. The agreement is not meant to amend any existing agreements. Rather, it is seen as a higher benchmark which countries can join voluntarily.
Other benefits to an ACTA agreement are seen to be the possibility of harmonized standards between countries and an improved ability to combat the increasing danger of health threats from counterfeit pharmaceuticals and foods. Schwab indicated that there is no stated deadline for the conclusion of negotiations, though the U.S. would like to move forward quickly. The initiative has received immediate support from the Copyright Alliance, an advocacy group which is comprised of members from a wide range of industries.
