USTR Seeks Comments for "Special 301" Out-of-Cycle Review of Ukraine and Saudi Arabia Regarding IPR
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice requesting written comments on its Special 301 out-of-cycle reviews (OCRs) of Ukraine and Saudi Arabia regarding intellectual property rights.
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The USTR explains that on April 30, 2005, it announced the results of its 2005 Special 301 review and stated that OCRs would be conducted for both Ukraine and Saudi Arabia in the fall of 2005. The USTR notes that additional countries may also be reviewed as a result of the comments received pursuant to this notice, or as warranted by events. (See ITT's Online Archives or 05/04/05 news, 05050420, for BP summary of the results of the 2005 review.)
(The USTR has previously stated that out-of-cycle reviews are conducted when countries require further monitoring, in addition to the annual review cycle. Under Special 301, placement on the Priority Watch List indicates that a country does not provide an adequate level of protection or enforcement of IPR or market access for persons relying on intellectual property. Countries placed on the Priority Watch List are the focus of increased bilateral attention concerning the problem area or practice. According to the USTR, only countries designated as Priority Foreign Countries under Special 301 are subject to accelerated investigations and possible sanctions.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 09/09/05 news, 05090925, for BP summary of an earlier USTR notice which USTR sources state was issued in order to solicit comments on the possible restoration of Ukraine's benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and which also provided additional details on the OCR for Ukraine.
See ITT's Online Archives or 09/02/05 news, 05090205, for BP summary of the U.S.' lifting of 100% retaliatory duties on Ukrainian imports, which were imposed due to IPR violations.)
-comments must be received on or before 5 p.m. on October 14, 2005
USTR Contact - Jennifer Choe Groves (202) 395-4510
USTR Notice (FR Pub 09/14/05) available athttp://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-18280.pdf