PH still off US’ intellectual property rights watch list

Rappler.com

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PH still off US’ intellectual property rights watch list
In the 2015 intellectual property rights report, the Philippines is cited under 'best practices' for taking a 'whole-of-government approach to IPR enforcement'

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines remains off the watch list of the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) Special 301 Report, which reviews the state of intellectual property rights (IPR) protections and enforcement among US trading partners worldwide.

The country was removed from the Special 301 Report in 2014, after the enactment of “a series of significant legislative and regulatory reforms to enhance” IPR protection and enforcement.

The Philippines was cited for its positive gains in IPR protection in the 2015 report, which says that “administrative enforcement reforms in the Philippines have resulted in streamlined procedures, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and more enforcement action, including increased seizures of pirated and counterfeit goods.”

The Philippines is also cited under best practices, taking a “whole-of-government approach to IPR enforcement,” a move which, the report says, is critical to enhancing the effectiveness of IPR enforcement.

The report also said the US State Department provided funds for 18 programs for customs, police, and judicial officials in a number of countries, with the Philippines being a recipient of the training.

In an interview with dzRB on Saturday, May 2, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said of the 301 report that staying off the US IPR watchlist “sends out a signal to other investors that we have a good business climate, and we take every measure to protect our intellectual property, especially when you come in and do business in the Philippines.”

In East Asia and the Pacific, Vietnam is on the 301 Report’s watch list, while China, Indonesia, and Thailand remain on the priority watch list.

The full report, along with related media, is available here.– Rappler.com

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